I've been reading up on issues with starting, and I finally had a chance to pop the hood in the day time today. One of the two positive terminal cables is coroded to the point where about an inch in length of wires are visible. I can't tell if the wires are fried or just covered in residue. I can get some pictures of it if I need to.

Will a simple corrosion like this keep the car from starting? It's completely dead. No idiot lights or interior lights come on, just silent. Just bought the car and had it parked for two days and now this.

After tightening the terminals I tried to start the car again but now the key is stuck in the ignition. It will turn to ACC and then that's it. Can't pull it out.
Any tricks for this?
thanks for any and all help.
-Rob

 

Wiggle the wheel back and forth while trying to remove the key.

As for the battery cable, a clamp that bad could be non-conductive. Replace the cable with one from the parts store that has a nice cast lug.