I should add that when the engine is first started it seems to be under a load for a moment, then seems to clear out after a second or so and the RPMs come up to normal idle. Occasionally, when warm, the engine will shut off after starting and must be restarted and revved a little. After a little rev when started, it idles fine.
When the car surges upon acceleration, it is noticably harder to maintain speed and accelerate at highway speeds. This too goes away if the engine is shutoff and immediately restarted.
The engine consumes no oil or coolant to speak of and is regularly maintained. It does have a K&N air filter but does not seem to be over-oiled. I've owned the car since new and have had no other problems with the vehicle except for a coolant temperature code indicated a discrepancy between the incoming air temperature and the temperature measured at the throttle body, as explained by the local Advance Autoparts manager (a friend of mine).
