Land Rover Repair: Freelander 2003 engine disaster, freelanders, engine failure

Question
My daughter engaged the decline button at near highway speed.  Unforunately, she came to a dead stop.  We had it towed to a LR dealer.
They said it had a gash in the engine block.  We are at a standstill on what to do, because the bill will be around $6500 and we paid $8000 only three months age.
We don't know if the transmission is okay, either.  
Do you have any advice?  And have you heard of similar situation with another LR?
We are almost ready to try and sell as is.  
Thanks in advance for any help you can give us.

Answer
Hello Kellie,
I am not sure if you mean hill descent by decline button, but it's not likely it caused your engine failure. But Freelanders are known for blowing engines. And transmissions are not that good either. I suggest selling the vehicle. The amount you can get for the vehicle would determine if you should fix the engine or not.
sorry for the bad news
Bruno