The impeller is probably wearing out or swelling if the pump wants to not start after stopping - it can happen with any pump with age... and vinegar. Keep the pump for a backup or use it to stir water, or something.
Choose well and DC or AC won't be too much of a difference. No reason to compare a Mag Drive 1200 to a 1200 GPH DC pump or even a efficient AC pump running at 40-45 watts, unless you need the power and head pressure of a Mag Drive. If there is that huge of a difference, then the choice was bad, not the current type.