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does anyone have a good answer to this problem?

I have been having this same problem for about 2 years. If the temp is below -5 celsius or so it would always start with a loud scratchy noise.
It almost sounds like the same type of noise you get when you turn the key to start your engine while it's ...

just remembered something

cracked air intake. had one a few years ago due to a bad front engine mount (too much engine movement) anyway this caused the car to idle very erratically to the point it would sometimes stall out. But it never prevented the car from starting.

replacement part was ...

I have been going to the same mechanic for the last 3-4 years.
His labour is cheap but he has very little experience with these types of cars (usually he's just working on old american cars or toyotas).

I was wondering if anyone else knew any good, cheap mechanics here in the GTA.

My first car, got it in 2000 at 105k. So far good engine, good tranny.

list of things I had to fix:
timing belt (x2 - second time belt died on the highway, previous mechanic fucked it up)
radiator (cracked for some reason, cost me a good $600 4 years ago at Canadian Tire to replace)
Muffler + pipes ...