My 86 vw golf gt is having trouble in colder weather and idling. It will stall out at stops and it sputters when I start to drive. Once it warms up and once out of first gear, it drives fine, although occasionally when cold it'll lurch even in 2nd and 3rd gear. In warmer weather the problem seems to lessen. It seems like a gas problem, but I am not mechanically inclined and would appreciate any suggestions. If repairs are expensive or time consuming (neither of which I can afford), I'll probably part with my old car.

Start with coolant temp sensor. Check this post:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=389242