Mitsubishi Repair: 98 Mitsubishi Galant, shaking and cutting off, mitsubishi galant, compression test

Question
The timing belt broke on my car the same day it was supposed to get a tune up.  Instead, I took it to get the belt replaced.  When I did, the "mechanic" said the oil was empty as well, and he filled it back up, but he didn't know what else was wrong with my car after fixing it.  He said it might be the engine itself, but I don't think so because if it were, the car wouldn't crank up at all, would it?

I drove it home, and now my car cranks up, turns over, and shakes badly for a few minutes before cutting off on it's own.  It also is sluggish on turning over.  What could be the cause?  I had a mechanic suggest that it might be the spark plugs or the alternator.

Answer
Folusho,
When a timing belt breaks, it can do internal engine damage.  This mainly involves damaging the cylinder head and valves.  Getting the timing correct with a damaged head is difficult if not impossible to do.  Your mechanic should do a compression test to see if there is any damage and loss of compression to the engine, which is typical to the symptoms you're describing.  If you do not feel comfortable have your first mechanic look at it again, take it somewhere else or consider having the dealership take a look.
Good luck!