I just bought this 2000 Plymouth Neon a few weeks ago. Then last week, it started being a problem to start. It turns over once, then sortof..um..grinds? to a stop, then nothing. I have to do this 3 or 4 times b4 it will start. Then the first time it cranks up then cuts back off. Then the next time it starts up and stays on. It doesn't do this every time, so a friend at work was telling me that it may just be a short in the system. But I think my starter is starting to go out. Which is it? Pleeeeeeazzzzz help!!!!!

i would check for dirty connections neons are very picky about dirty grounds.

Are there any particular connections I need to pay attention to?

battery to starter ground and the connections on top of the starter as well.