Car always started right up, but now turns over 8-9 times before starting. Never have given it gas. Changed fuel filter last year, along with new battery. I assume replacing fuel pump is needed after 17 years. Do you suggest doing anything before doing this?

 

Give it gas? It is not 1975 anymore.

 

Speaking in generality, throwing parts at a problem is rarely the most economical path. You might want to try and diagnose the problem further. For fuel pressure, there is a valve on the fuel rail. You can connect a gauge to it and see if the pressure is the problem.

Even more generally, you might want to check for any codes from the diagnostic port, just in case the car is trying to tell you something it already knows.

Just my thoughts. Your money, your car, your decision...