Misfire/low compression/burning oil

I have a 1996 Saturn SL1. The engine has a misfire and alternates between running fine for a few weeks and then running rough for a few weeks. When the car is running rough it has less power and the engine has low compression in one of the cylinders (mechanic did a compression test). After a few weeks of running rough the car will shudder for a few seconds while I'm driving and then suddenly the power will return, the engine runs fine, and I'm good for another few weeks. Interestingly, the engine will burn oil when the engine is running fine, but when the engine is running rough it does not burn oil at all! Also, if I smell the dipstick I think I can smell fuel. I'm wondering if anybody can put this all together and give me an idea what might be wrong. I only paid $900 for the car and I can't afford to have the engine taken apart, so I was just going to carry on driving it until it dies (been going 8 months like this now), unless anybody has an idea for a simple fix. Thanks!