Pontiac Repair: Olds Alero Timing Chain Broke, olds alero, pontiac dealership

Question
Hi, Todd:

I don't really have a repair question, it's more of a request for advice.  I have a 2002 Olds Alero GX Sedan.  It's currently being repaired at my closest Pontiac dealership (I took it there since there are no more Olds dealers, and this car is pretty much the same as the Grand Am of the same year).  The timing chain broke while driving on the highway, so it also damaged some other parts of the engine (the cylinders and some other things I can't remember - I don't know much about engines).  

My question is, do you think I should keep this car?  In your experience, once such an extensive repair has been done to a car's engine, do you think it will be prone to more problems?  Or do you think, if the repairs are done correctly, that the engine should be fine for quite a while?

I am very hesitant to keep this car, but I don't really have the money to buy a new one right now.  But I really don't want to be stranded on the highway again, especially with my two young children in the car.

What would your advice be?

Thank you very much for your help!

Shane

Answer
Hi Shane:

Good question. it all depends on a lot of things. right now the car is not worth anything withit not running. so if you were to trade it in you will get nothing for it. if you fix it will you get that money back more than likely not. you are in a catch 22. i'm sure it did extensive damage at highway speeds withe the chain breaking it bet the valves in the head. it may have even damgaed the pistons. it all depends on who is doing the job. the dealer is the best place to take it but there are good and bad technicians just like good and bad doctors. if the job is done right it should be fine but the question is if it's done right or not... I can't give you a good answer on that. if this care is a cream puff and and has low milage then I would think about fixing it. if not it would consider the expense vs what the car is worth. goto www.kbb.com and see what that car is worth and go from there. hope that helps some and good luck :}