Decision time

[Kent McLean]

List,

My '99 A4 is dead.  I came home on a Tuesday night, it was running fine. I tried to start in on Wednesday morning, no start. It wasn't the starter. The engine had no compression. The engine had no oil. 130K miles.

The theory is that it ran out of oil. No noises. No instrument cluster warning. (But the dam "low windshield washer fluid" light will shine and scream at you. Damn you, Team Door Handle.) I confess that commuting 1500 mi/week, over the holidays I must have missed checking the oil over a weekend or two. Yes, boneheaded. I plead overworked. 

Upon examination: 30-80 psi compression in each cylinder. When the crank is at top dead center, the cam marks don't line up. The theory is that the stress of no oil caused the crank/cam key to shear, causing the cams to shift, smashing valves into the pistons.

So, it is decision time.  Rough estimates provided by the wrench, guestimated:

1) R&R the engine with a used one, new timing belt, labor: $3500.
2) R&R the heads, new timing belt, labor: $1500. No guarantee that the bottom end didn't suffer and this will be for naught.
3) Sell the carcass to the mechanic: $1000

KBB for excellent condition trade-in: $4500

What would you do:

a) Put $3500 into it to have a $4500 car?
b) Put $1500 into it and hope and pray the bottom end is OK; if not, put another $3500 into it or take the $1000?
c) Walk away from it with $1000, and just drive my '91 200 TQA?
d) Take the $1000 and put it into a new ???

e) buy a Honda. :)  (or should that be a :( ?)

I like the car a lot. But the seat is uncomfortable for long hauls, and that's what I've been doing (and will do for another month or so). 

I eagerly await your collective thoughts.

--
Kent McLean
'99 A4 Avant
'91 200 20V Avant #3
'94 100 Avant, sold
'91 200 20V Avant #2, up in smoke #2
'91 200 20V Avant #1, recycled
'89 200 10V sedan, up in smoke