Interference engine. Serous death rattle= valve contact so I am sure at least the head needs to come off. Timing set for sure.How do they know the engine is toast, just because it's an interference engine doesn't mean it's destroyed. Especially if it was at an idle when it failed, if it's only skipped a couple teeth damage was almost certainly avoided. New timing chain setup may very well have her back running
CP, you are on track with the fact anything you buy will be in the same arena as what you have. What does the rig look like. Is it OK to own a few more years. If so have the top stripped off the engine and have a look. You may be surprised and it could also make you
Couple grand to buy a few more years while you bank some funds to move on. At least you will have a running rig to sell or trade.