Nissan Repair: Sputtering and then stalling, nissan xterra, distributer

Question
Hi!
I noticed a few days ago my 2000 Nissan Xterra would kinda skip  going up hills but then return to normal and then it went crazy and broke down. This is what happened: The idle was very rough and then when I put it in gear it would sputter and skip like it wanted to turn off.  a few minutes after that happened I pulled off the road and it would not stay running. If you press the gas it would sound really rough and then cut off. I was told this was the distributer. The mechanic told me it will cost me 630.00 total(break down: 55 tow 420 for part then labor)  Does this sound normal? After reading a few posts I am worried that is not going to fix it.

Answer
Karly,

Have them show you the code for the error or the optical shutter wheel on the old distributor.  But, as expensive as it sounds the price they are giving you is about normal.  You could replace it yourself to save money.  But, the $420 is about what the part costs.  And, I hate to say it.  But, the distributor is the most probable cause.