Have enjoyed my 150 for seven years. Now 140k miles. Quick and economical. Serviced ever 10k. But the engine is knackered. Has had all sorts of intermittent judders all of which self -resolved with no faults found on diagnostics. New clutch at 120k and dmf at 130k - was running fine a that time. Engine now sounds gruesome. On my independent mechanic's advice got local dealer to have a look. dealer recommends not running it at all to avoid catastrophic failure. They reckon needs new pistons, cam shaft, conrods, the lot. The car is immaculate otherwise. My mechanic is a lifelong vw mechanic now running his own garage, is trustworthy and is willing to do the work but am worried about huge cost without the certainty of a sound engine.

So do I repair the engine or see if I can get a recon with a decent warranty. If I go for the recon option where do I look? Or are there specialists who will rebuild my engine and give me a warranty?

Or do I just send the car to the breaker?

Help