96 Saab 900s Head gasket, can a leaking head gasket cause a starting problem?

[nutcase2be]

I'm thinking of buying a 96 Saab 900s. The head gasket is leaking a little anti-freeze to the outside. The owner also said that it has a starting issue. When you jump it, it starts and runs fine, does not blow white smoke. I was wondering if anyone knows if this starting issue is related to the leaking head gasket. Thx.