1999 Mercury Sable Internal Engine Problem

[AirinInMo]

My well maintained 1999 Mercury Sable developed a knocking noise yesterday which progressively worsened as I drove to the repair shop about 6 miles from home - not my original destination for the day. Internal engine problem I was told - very costly to replace the Duratec engine. I received quotes anywhere from $4,000-$5,300. Mechanic guessed (as he did not take engine apart) that something malfunctioned and the car developed an internal oil leak? No outward clues, no leaks, etc. Said he had seen this before with the Duratec engine. I knew my car was getting older but had expected it to last longer than this - just hit 100,000 miles. Is this a common occurence and is it worth putting a new engine in? Have had problems with transmission slipping when stopping/accelerating from lights, etc. Dealer serviced in Feb 2004 - diagnostics showed no transmission problem but problem still occurs. Other than that the car is in good shape, never wrecked, 3 month old tires, leather interior in good shape, etc, etc!!! This is frustrating - no matter how good the car looks it doesn't do me any good with no engine.

[drdisque]

you can get a low mileage junkyard duratec engine for less than $800, installation shouldn't run more than $1000. Find a shop that will put in a salvage engine for you.