I have a 1991 Maxima that has been "babied", is straight, rust-free, all routine maintenance, many major parts replaced. Only 110k miles and drives like a champ. Last weekend I had a breakdown, loud clatter, dropped the pan and found #6 piston rod broken. Incidently, 2 oil changes ago my mechanic talked me into using Mobile1 Syn.

I've gotten two opinions on repair/or not:
1. Mechanic one, excellent guy, totally trust him, but he's REAL busy most of the time. Said, donate the car to charity, why put $2 grand into a car worth less than that.
2. Mechanic two, just met him and comes HIGHLY recommended, have a good feel about him/skills. Said, replace with Reman'd engine $1100 + $700 labor, OR replace with carefully selected used engine $700 + $500.

I'm curious as can be! Doesn't anyone REPAIR engine internals on cars of this vintage, or are they considered "consumables"? In other words, use 'em until they break and then replace and toss the original into the landfill/junkyard? Thanks for any guidance!
Terry Phoenix, AZ.