1996 Saturn SC2 RPMs go up and down

For the past few months, my 96 Saturn SC2 has had 2 major problems.

1) It's been stalling on the road. This either happens when I accelerate and then brake abruptly, when I go up a hill, and even when I make sharp turns. I've had oil changes and had my transmission flushed; however, none of these seem to solve the problem. Is my car just that old?

Also, I've learned that to keep this my car from stalling, I would put it on neutral (while I drive or am completely on brake) and push on the gas. This helps a lot, but ultimately, I want this problem solved. Plus, I know this is not good for my car.

2) RPM's go up and down. This is the main problem. I had gone to a mechanic to check this out and he checked the cars' computer and found out that it was the CAMSHAFT sensor. To be more specific, the results displayed "CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR - BANK 1". I had gone to a PepBoys and AutoZone and both had mentioned that there were either sold out OR my car didn't really have one and that the mechanic really had meant a CRANKSHAFT sensor. They had also mentioned that these terms were synonymous. In effect, I bought a CRANKSHAFT sensor for $18.99. Not bad I thought. I then had our family mechanic put it in and the problem still continues up until now. He mentioned that I need a CAMSHAFT sensor and that PepBoys or any other auto part stores may not carry one. In other words, I will need to buy it directly from the dealership.

The next day I called Saturn directly and low and behold, my car is not equipped with a CAMSHAFT sensor. They had stated that even though that is what the results had displayed, it didn't mean this at all. Instead, it was referring to something else that had nto do with the coils within the engine. I forget really what they had said specifically, but it came out to be $350.00 just for that part. Who knows what the installation will cost! I wanted to throw up. I didn't know if they were ripping me off.

I'm just so frustrated at the moment. Everyday driving my car is like a life and death mission. It sputters, stalls, and shakes. And I feel as if no one can give me a straight and honest answer. I don't mind spending a little if it means getting my car to run safely again.

If there is a way to get this done right and hopefully at no high expense, then I would be eternally grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to me.

- FRUSTRATED DRIVER