1995 Neon Engine Dead?

We have a 1995 Plymouth Neon automatic with around 123,000 miles on it. It died the other day and the mechanic said the timing belt broke. Crap. They replaced it but the engine seems to be shot. He said the symptoms indicate the valves are bent now (I did not yet pay to have him dismantle the engine to verify the problem). He also said the water pump needs to be replaced. His total estimate is around $2300.

Since this is probably greater than the value of the car we decided to junk it. When we talked to a salvage yard/repair shop, they said they had a 2000 Neon engine they could put in for around $1400. I don't know how much more they'd charge for the water pump.

I'm looking for advice. My biggest concern is replacing the engine for $1400 bucks and ending up with a car that still has problems. Will a 2000 engine work in a 1995 Neon? Do you think it will last a couple of more years? Is it better to try and repair the engine or replace it altogether?

Thanks

He said the symptoms indicate the valves are bent now ...chance are they are......belt breaks ,valves open, piston comes up and smacks the valve....do you relly want to put 2 Gs in a 800.00 car?

Hmmm well i had a 95 neon sport...a dn my engine went i hyrdolocked it..... and i had went and got a motor from a 200 eon with only 647 km's on it... the only thing i had to do were use the motor mounts from the 95 the 200 were different... also i ahd to replace my water pump, starter, alternator, newbattery, and put on a mls head gasket a new clutch (cuz mine was shot) and also a new throw back bearing...... to have it all done only coseted me 1650... canadain.. adn only took them 3 days to do.. now car runs great and better then new:).... so it might be wirht it for you(Y) good luck

sohc or dohc usually sohc engines are not interference engines but i am not sure about a neon ill have to look into that one. 1400 bucks isnt bad for a 2000 engine installed

if i was u i would drop a 95 2.4 sratus engine in it its a easy swap ive done it to 3diff. neons for swap info and parts u need email me at [email protected] its a easy swap and easy on ur pocket also