i have the exact same problem on a 99 1.4 cvh (same starter) the starters are never gr8 standard but aparently theres an aftermarket 1 that is better. the car in the scrappy could have had the same problem like??? just a guess at it. mine also had corrosion on the battery terminals and on the starter wire heads if you get my meaning clean them up with a bit of sandpaper and the therminals there a lil wire brush tool you can buy. worth a try. also if your running a performance cam thats very racey it wont idle perfect either???