Engine "hunting" or lurching

[BrianMiG]

Am not a techie - just need to decide whether it's worth trying to get car fixed or to bin it.
9-5 Auto 2.3 1999 - When idling in neutral, no problems, but when I put it into D or R and release brake, (without pressing the accelerator) engine starts to "hunt", so vehicle proceeds in a series of progressively more violent lurches until it sudenly cuts out. On stopping, say at traffic lights, I have to immediately put it into N, when it will tickover calmly. Any ideas? Is it transmission or electronic? Will I have to remortgage to repair it - present value c. £900 only.

[IGUANA]

Best guess is a large vacuum leak or the throttle body. Is the check engine light on???

[frank301162]

check all your vacuum hoses, especially to the servo, i have had trouble with it blowing off, needed a new joint

[BrianMiG]

Thanks both, for your suggestions. I will get them checked out. No, the Check Engine light is not on.