Answer

I know that when buying a car that is so frustrating when you have problems like this. The ignition coil was probably the sellers best guess about what was wrong. When it was running was there a light on the dash that said "Check Engine" or "Service Soon" or anything similar. If so then the onboard diagnostics have diagnosed a problem. You can get the codes read with a code scanner. This would allow you to fix the specific problem that is making your car die.

Now if I have to guess it would be one of three things, crank sensor, cam sensor, or the fuel pump. The all three have this common symptom you described. I can tell you how to do a quick test on your fuel pump. Sit in the car, it has to be very quiet. Turn the ignition on, do you hear a quiet hum that last a second or two from the back of the car. You can turn the key off and on a few times if you need to. If you do not hear this hum when your car is in a "No Start" condition then the problem is most likely your fuel pump.

The other items require special equipment to test properly.

I hope this helps, good luck with your car and thanks.

Expert:	Dr. Hamman
Pos. Feedback:	99.3 %
Accepts:
Answered:	5/11/2008

Automotive Engineer

30 years experience, Repairing, building, & designing, automobiles.