1996 Saturn SL2, manual transmission, twin CAM, 104,000

Hello -- My problem comes and goes and I have not been able to get a mechanic to understand since they could not replicate the problem. Sometimes, when I am either approaching a stop or at a stop, it takes a hurculean effort for me to put the gearshift into first or even second. Other times it shifts just like butter. Sometimes I also get the clutch shudder and I chalk that up to "operator error".

I am at my wit's end. It seems like the engine is revving too high so the synchromesh isn't working properly. I don't know what to ask the mechanic to do -- and I hate to go to the dealer because the first thing they will want to do is drop down the transmission which will cost a fortune. If you tell me I need a new clutch, what would that normally cost? Thank you, Janie