04 Aveo needs a new engine. Worth replacing?

[sweetcataxtrophe]

My 2004 Chevrolet Aveo's timing belt broke, bending the engine valves (a very common problem for '04-'07 Aveos). Mechanic is quoting me $2600 to replace the engine, but I don't want to do it if it's likely that I'll need other expensive repairs in the next couple of years, which leads me to a few questions:

1. If I replace the engine, is it likely that I'll have other expensive problems in the next few years? I realize you don't have a crystal ball, but I'm hoping someone here might have an idea of what I can expect based on any knowledge/experience with Aveos.

2. Are certain engines more reliable than others? What about better deals? I have no idea if the mechanic quoted me the price of a new engine or a used one, but from my understanding Chevy claims to have fixed the timing belt/valve problem in 2008, which makes me think I should look for a new(er) engine (For the record, I don't need a souped-up engine for performance--just one that won't break if something happens, like the timing belt snaps)

3. At this point, is it smarter to spend $3000 - $5000 on an older used Toyota or Honda (which are supposed to be more reliable) than replace the engine?

Additional details: I use my car primarily to commute. About once a week, I drive 70 miles each way to my boyfriend's and work meetings. My car has about 50,000 miles and no warranty. It's an automatic. I had other problems before it broke down, but I'm not sure how serious they are. The shifter sticks pretty badly when pulling out of park and, recently, the car started making a humming noise around 60 mph (wondering if that was from the timing belt?) plus creaking noises when making slow turns. I also replaced the battery, which seemed like a premature repair.

[Harvester]

I would get another opinion on that repair. The mileage on your car isn't especially high, so it shoud be good for a long time, and may be worth investing $2000-3000 in it now. The quoted price for the repair seems reasonable, but you need answers to the points you mentioned- new/used, what all will be replaced, warranty, etc. If you suspect other repairs probably will be needed in the near future, or annoyances need attention, get an estimate for all the work, from the same shop and from another shop. Don't jump at this repair until you have more information.

As for replacing one familiar used car with an unfamiliar used car, without a clear benefit to the change, at best it will be an even exchange, so to speak. My experience has been that the benefit of such an exchange usually costs more than was originally perceived.

Hope this helps.

Harvester