I have a problem with my '96 Excel auto where i push the accelerator after sitting at a stop, but it takes several seconds for the car to move. The engine makes almost no sound, but it's like the pistons slow down or something. I have to floor it to get moving or people behind me begin to honk horns. Once it "kicks in", the car suddenly works properly and i get going.
It also happens at higher speeds, about 80 kph, where the engine suddenly halts and i lose speed for a few seconds before it kicks in again.

I'm not sure of what problem it could be. All I can think of is:

1) Timing problem.
2) It's overdue for an oil change (I keep putting it off :P )
3) It's a 12 year old car that's done 258,000 kms.

Thanx for any feedback

timings controlled by the bosch engine controll system, oil change would not cause that.
my car has 230,000kms and goes like **** when i want it too.
have the computer scanned, its probble maf sensor or something or the cat converter

Automatic?...or..manual transmission?

Ive had the computer scanned for errors, and there are none. I did the oil change, and the problem is still here.

It's an auto.

Funny thing is, that the car works better when there is LESS fuel in the tank. Nearing the point of running on fumes, all the flat spots in acceleration disappear. When i refill it, it almost always stalls as i try and take off for the first time out of the petrol station.

OMG I have fixed most of the problem. It wasn't the timing or anything. The previous owners of the car were pretty lazy and when i changed the air filter, it was black. It turns out the mass air flow sensor was dirty because the filter didn't filter out the crap in the air. I took apart the tubing leading out of the air filter and revealed the MAF sensor. I used a "can of air" and gave it a good blast, and now the car works!!!

I wasted about $500 when i kept taking it to the mechanics when I could have fixed the problem ages ago (if i knew what it was)!! :wacko:

The car only has the acceleration problem once every 50 red lights, not every time. I went to Autobarn to see how much it would be for a new one (bearing in mind it's a rubber tube with a 12 year old microchip in it), and its $620!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd rather put up with the problem than spend that much money for it. Considering I bought the car for only $3000 anyway haha!