The outlook was grim.
Broken timing chain (or belt, I'm not sure) and an interference engine. Not a good combination. Apparently, with that type of engine, when the timing chain goes, so do the engine valves.
It happened while I was stopped at a light (thankfully!) so I had it towed to Pep Boys. $89.99 just to diagnose the problem.
When they called me and told me what the problem was they told me that it was a timing chain and IF there was no damage to the engine valves total repairs would cost $1209 (there were other repairs that needed to have been done a while ago), but if there was damage to the engine valves then the bill would be almost triple that amount. The only way to find out the extent of the damage was put the new timing chain on which would cost me $500 even if the valves were bent and I decided not to complete the rest of the work.
I decided to take a gamble and authorized the work. I was called when the work was completed and to my surprise I was given a different amount than what was originally quoted to me...nearly $100 LESS.
I assumed that it was because they had given me a discount because of a small mix up when I first brought my car in.
It was not. I was still given the discount and the final bill came to $922!
I am very happy with the work that was done as well as the generosity and professionalism of the mechanics that I spoke with. They all showed genuine concern about the car and spoke to me in a way that was clear and easy for me to understand. (I'm the guy that doesn't even know how to change a tire)