My son's '93 LX, just turned 100K. Mechanic says car starved for oil, caused broken cam shaft, likely lower engine damage, so replacing cam shaft and head ONLY may be a waste of time. Suggests new engine, 40-50K Japaneese engine, $2400 for full job.

1-In your best judgement (yes without seeing car or engine) does this sound reasonable?

2-There have been NO pools of oil under car, no noticable leak. I changed oil and filter 2 weeks ago. ???? Mechanic asked if he is a "hard driver". He is 20yo if that helps. When I asked mechanic where the oil went, he had no idea. What could have happened?

EDIT TO ADD: Price above includes transmission (if that matters) and NO Blue smoke as best I can tell.

I'll hang up and listen. THanks.

 

Its possible it burned all the oil, did you notice any blue smoke coming out the back? I take it the car will not crank over now.

$2400 seems steep, you can get a used engine in the united states for 3-400, and there should not be 2,000 in labor to swap and engine.