2004 be jetta wagon 2.0 epc light on car usually doesnt start

Hello I just bought a used jetta wagon yesterday and its
having trouble starting. When I turn the key the engine turns
over, multiple times but it does not ignite and start, usually.
The EPC light is on. When it does start which can take a
few dozen times. It runs GREAT except that it wont go over
55 (possibly the epc limiting it or maybe it's a hawaian car
thing?). The lemon seller that sold me this car said maybe
the cam shaft sensor is bad then stopped returning my
calls. He claimed to have recently changed the fuel pump
and the old one is in a box in the car. Any idea what could
be wrong with it? I'm so anxious and broke. I'm wwoofing
here in hawaii and have no income to spend on this