Mine has the "spluttery" idle when in gear, but it dont have the hard starting issue... hot or cold, it starts instantly.

I am going to try plugs and hope.

o2 sensor may also be part of it. My "check engine" light will illuminate after the engine has been running for 2 minutes, then it will go off 2 minutes later and dont come on again- until the next time I turn it off and start again.