Engine misfires? Please ADVISE?

My husband is giving me a car (1997 Ford Taurus) he purchased at auction. I'm responsible for the repairs that need to be made. A misfire (code P0301) will cost $400 to fix. All told, I would be spending roughly $800 to get the car on the road. Is it worth it? I know that s not a lot of money for a car but it is a lot of money to me and I just want to be sure it doesn't break down the minute I spend my money on it.

Also, a tune up costs about the same as repairing the misfire. Would getting a tune up fix the problem?

Get the car fixed and then send him the bill. He is the one who purchased the car. Who ever heard of such an arrangement?

PO301 is a misfire on cylinder 1. A misfire on cylinder 1 really means you more than likely need a new set of spark plugs and or plug wires or both. It could be more serious but on a 18 year old car that is the likely fix. No way will that cost $400. Any decent shade tree mechanic can do this repair for around $100 in parts.

For a 20 year old car $800 is pushing the limit.

You can get plugs and wire for that car and only spend $50-$70 and take 1/2 hour from the day to do it. $400 sounds crazy. I do understand you may not know how but if you know someone that can change some plugs then pay them $20 to throw them in, you've just saved $$$$$

Plugs and wires aren't the only parts that can cause misfire codes but more than likely it's a fouled plug or a cracked or broken wire. Like I said not much money for parts and if you have a friend or friends son, etc that knows how then you'll be saving $300
Hope this helps you

Also, a tune up costs about the same as repairing the misfire. Would getting a tune up fix the problem… Go For it.
The car should be surveyed by a licensed TECH to see what else is in the mix.