When I started the car, it suddenly died and saw white smoke coming out from the left side of the hood where the battery is located. Opened the hood and I could feel the intense burning smell. I tried ignition again and car is completely dead.

Is it the battery or starter issue? Posts on other forums ( for different brands of cars) says -ve terminal or cable is fried.

 

Smoke and smell is neaver good - I would not expect it to be the battery and would not even try replacing it or even jumping it until you figure out what is wrong.

Dave Mac

 

Trace all cables and wires running from the battery back till you find it. A burnt wire is better than a burned up SC or someone hurt.