2004 Suzuki XL7 Bad cylinder

The 4th cylinder in this vehicle is misfiring and not getting enough compression. I was told by my mechanic that it would need a new engine. I checked with the manufacturer, but the warrantly has expired. I checked on a rebuilt engine, but they are more than the car is worth.

The vehicle still runs.

My question - Is it safe for me to continue to drive it with a bad cylinder? If so, what are the consequences? Approximately how long can you drive a vehicle that has a bad cylinder?