Cadillac Repair: 96 eldorado etc, head gasket, valve job

Question
my friend has a eldorado etc with only 112,000 miles..she serviced this vehicle only at the dealer.and it was well maintained.she was told she needs a new engine , her check engine light is on ..and they say it needs a valve job...is this common , that these engines go out so quickly? where can she purchase a new motor? or good rebuilt or used with a great warranty..im in longbeach,california --near los angeles , calif

Answer
Ted,
Unfortunately, it isn't terribly uncommon for a Northstar engine to go at that kind of mileage, but it IS kind of uncommon for it to need a valve job. You sure they didn't say it needed a head gasket? The head gasket R&R is the most common on those engines.
As far as getting another engine, I'd be looking at junkyards etc. Not sure I'd trust a rebuilt, and new is crazy expensive. Bottom line, that's why there's so many Northstar-powered Caddies for sale, and why they're so cheap.