[quote=mightymousetech]If it is only after sitting for a couple days, I would think the fuel pressure is not being maintained in the system when off. Could be a bad check valve in the fuel pump assembly. Try turning the key to the on position a couple times before starting to let the fuel system prime.
Well the car only gets driven a couple times a week for groceries and such or quick errands. I failed to mention in my opening post that once the engine does start, it struggles to get going unless you press the gas pedal a bit to help it.
I have a feeling that you most likely have a leaking fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail, this is a fairly common problem on these engines and is easily diagnosed - remove the vacuum hose going to it on the fuel rail and inspect for any raw fuel vapors / liquid coming out of the regulator ( or filling the vac. line, if failed bad enough ) Just key up the vehicle ignition, ( cycle on but don't start car ) a few times after sitting ( for a bit )
with the vacuum line off... any liquid fuel that comes out and it is automatically a failed part.
The result of this is hard starting as it is too rich from the leaking fuel from the regulator, causing a hard start.
I would put a large bet on this being your failure, esp. at the miles accrued and if it never has been replaced before...
BurrWinder