Hyundai Repair: Car is slugish when taking off and wont start unless jump started, hyundai accent, battery terminals

Question
I just bought a 2002 Hyundai accent today. It will not start unless jump started *hoping its just the battery*
Another thing is...any time I am at a complete stop and try to go..the engine wants to try to cut out..I give it more gas..then it takes off..
The car is fine if its a rolling stop.
Thanks for your time.

Answer
The next time you start the car, check the voltage across the battery terminals while the car is running.  It should be 13.5 to 15.5V.  If it is, that's an indicator that the alternator is probably okay and you just need a battery.

If the sluggishness occurs only when the engine is cold, there's a reprogram available to fix this condition.  It'll be necessary to take the car to the dealer in order to have the reprogram done.  If the sluggishness also occurs when the engine is at normal operating temperature, you'll probably need to have it checked by a good driveability shop.  Feeling the problem occur will be very instructive to a good driveability technician.  Of course, if the check engine lamp is on, you should start by checking the diagnostic trouble codes.