Nissan Repair: 1998 Nisssan Altima Engine replacement, nissan altima, valve job

Question
I have a 1998 Nissan Altima.Just two days back it stopped on a highway and it seems engine compression is lost. SO the mechanic quoted me a price of 2700 for the total repair with 1600 for engine( used with 46000 miles), labor, radiator and thermostat etc....i want to know if this price is reasonable or is he being outrageous. thanks for your reply!

Answer
Hi rave -

Please find out the cause for the problem. Was it the timing belt? Did the car overheat?

Sounds like an unneccesary job here. If it is the timing belt, the worst scenario on that would be to do a valve job, which should be in the neighborhood of about 1K. If it is just timing belt, maybe a couple hundred dollars.

Please find out what went wrong, and I will be able to tell you what the cost will be if it is the timing belt.

PLease get back to me -
aloha
calvin