mk2 1.3 '89 (carburetor)

Bit of a shopping list...hope someone can help.I was given the car by a friend last winter (not so sure he is still a friend!) and it would sometimes struggle to start in the cold.Then once going if i pulled up it would try to cut out,i would have to hold the revs on (i think that is the idle speed).Then once winter had passed it was ok until it started to cough and splutter as i was driving it so i serviced the car(oil change,oil filter ,spark plugs,ht leads).Again it was ok.However 6 months later the car would not start one day,but i was able to bump start it.I got it home and left it and tried to start it again...nothing.Thinking it might be the alternator running the batt. down i bumped it and took it for a long drive.Unfortunately on the way back it started to cough and splutter again.I just about got home and left the car.When I tried to start it again nothing happened,no noise not even a click.I charged the battery and nothing,now i cannot jump start it or bump start it.It had done this once or twice before when i tried to turn the engine over and nothing happened but i would just turn it over again and it would start.I am something of a novice but am a quick learner so any info would be much appreciated.