97: New engine or total it?

I'd like to appologize upfront. I'm a 20 year old girl and know nothing about cars, yet really need help. I don't have my drivers manual here as it's in my broken car 3 hours away so I don't know what kind of engine/transmission I have. It's an automatic, 2 door, year 97. That's pretty much all I know, sorry.

car broke down today...police officer/mechanic looked at it and told me it was a broken engine rod, or so I beleive obne of them said. He estimated it would cost $1000-2000 to fix, which I'm assuming is a new engine. The car has 118,000 miles already. Last summer we had to get an engine head (??) replaced because it blew. Is it really worth all the money, or should I just get a new car?

Please respond here or at my email, [email protected]
I appreciate any help you can give, as I'm clueless as to what to do.

Thanks, Allison

Where is the car currently located, you said 3 hours away. I hope it's the Toledo area, or the Indianapolis area. The motor is a quick fix, and a used motor can be had for cheap. if you are looking at a new motor, and you have a GT sunfire, then the price is pretty good, since a new motor will run you about $2000. The 2.2L should run you close to that much as well. Both prices are before labor.

I saw that you are in Indiana, there are several J-body owners in the Chicago area, so getting help wouldn't be that big a deal. A new motor can be swapped in a weekend. And just about every junk yard has a J-body motor in it.

Let me know if you have any concerns with this. My advice, keep the car, they live forever if properly maintained, and if the body is in good shape, then a motor is a small price to pay to keep a good car.