meesh

Hi, I need some fast advice on engine repair, as I don't know anything about engines. I have a 2000 Altima, and the engine broke down while I was driving. All my dashboard lights went on and lost power (felt like going into second gear). Pulled over, noticed a knocking sound in engine and had it towed.

Mechanic #1 told me I needed to replace the engine, $3,1000. Then, I took it to the dealer, hoping warranty would cover it. They said they had to teardown the engine to see what is wrong but they thought they knew what it was, and that it was repairable. I would have to pay $900 for tear down if I decided not to do the work. They tore it down, said some parts needed to be replace plus a flus, about $2,000. Not covered by warranty because I didn't change my oil often enough, and sludge clogged things up. (PS, lately I had gotten a little forgetful about changing the oile, but for the first 3 of 4 years that I owned the car, I had it done 3 times a year, drove abt. 15,000mi/yr) I ok's this repair (after crying and calling afriend to borrow money). They had my car almost 3 weeks, waiting on parts. Now they say they have fixed it, put it back together, and there is still a noise. They now tell me there are 2 parts to the engine, the top and bottom. They only tore down the bottom and there is noise in the top. they say the labor to open and repair the top is too costly, and they recommend I get a new engine, $8,000! I freak out and ask about a rebuilt/remanufactured engine. They say they don't have any, but I could get a used engine from a crashed car that they have with 50,000 for $4,200, 30 day warranty on parts only. I have started called a couple of places, and gotten s $3,000 quote for a rebuilt engine with a 12 month warranty. I will keep looking for a better priec, but now I also have to pay the $900 tear down if I take my car else where.

Here are my questions:

1. I feel I was misinformed when I wasn't told up front that there were 2 parts to the engine, they were only tearing down one part, and that the other part may well also have problems as well. I feel they should discount my teardown fee because of that. Am I wrong (I haven't asked them yet, want advice first)

2.since they claim to have repaired the "bottom" of my engine (I am assuming this is the block) I am wondering if I can only replace the "top" of the engine (I am assuming this is the head). Does it work that way?

3. How much money is it worth to put in this car before considering just junking it as is and getting a new car?

Any other suggestions are welcome.