I have a 2001 dodge neon which I feel is about to die. My car just passed 100k and I noticed I was losing power. Turns out I had oil leaking in the spark plugs. I went in to change my gasket valve covers and get new spark plugs and the guy at the garage told me my cylinder #3 was shot. Before this my engine light was on (solid) and I didn't feel much was wrong besides it being weak when I accelerate. Now the car feels like complete crap and I feel like a cylinder or two is out. My car has a weird smell coming from under the hood plus it sounds like its choppy. Even through the exhaust out the muffler it sounds choppy. My check engine light is now blinking. The guy told me I would need a new engine. For some reason I feel like its something thats repairable and not a cylinder that gone forever. Any help given from anyone will be much appreciated. Its my first car and I was supposed to trade it a few days ago on my birthday for a 98 gti vr6 =[. I know a little about cars so I can help you as much as I can. My question is how do I tell if I really need a new engine or not. Should I take it to a different garage to get a second opinion? If I do what should I say? I would hate to see this car go so soon.

 

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