Volkswagen Repair: Problems starting VW Golf, battery cables, negative cable

Question
1988 VW Golf GLI. A month ago my VW wouldnt start. When I
turned the key and there would be a hum but no start although
a bump start would get it going. The starter motor was replaced
and although it now does starts, it is a hesitant chunging start
which is getting worse.

I'm not sure if this has anything to do with my current problems
but a couple of months ago I left it for three days with the lights
turned on and had to replace the battery,

Answer
Annette, Thank you for your question.  The problem sounds like a bad starter relay or the battery cables may be damaged. It is definitely not getting enough current if the starter sounds slow are takes longer to start.
Check or replace the battery cables to the starter and the ground or negative cable too.
Hope that helps