1994 Mazda 626 Sputtering on Start

[The Fast Forester]

'94, 626, low miles (in the 50,000's).....doesn't matter, have had notorious things go out like the distributor and emergency brake sticking due to rear brake caliper spring wearing out....now it looks like it might be the next thing...

It's always been a bit hard to start, doesn't fire right up and sounds like the starter grinds. Is this typical for a 90's Mazda starter to sound like this? Earlier this week when my son started it there was sputtering and it wouldn't fire up. Fuel filter? Fuel Pump? Any thoughts would be appreciated, don't need another towing fee to the shop!