rough starts

I have a 98' malibu and sometimes when I go to start my car it clicks and then starts. I was wondering if it might be the fuel filter. Any answers?

Click like the starter doesn't engage, how do you connect what you describe with a fuel filter, way short of sufficient info for help here.

based on what you have provided, I can tell you that about a year ago my 2000 did this. but it was only in cold weather. the battery checked out fine, and I never had another problem.

until 3 weeks ago.

had to have the starter replaced. $170 for a reman or $269 for a new one. 30 minutes labor. by no means "cheap", but well worth the money to have a car that starts.

check the most obvious culprits: battery, alternator, and starter. all 3 will usually be assessed in a "high quality" tune-up.

I know where I take my car (Pep-Boys) will gladly run a start-up diagnostic for $19.99.