could my bonnie actually be dead?

[Solid_speed]

So I was driving down a two lane high way and I go to pass this car wot. Then mid pass I hear this metal pinging almost slapping noise and bring it to the side and put it in park to see if it happens at idle and sure enough the noise is still there. I figure I better try to make it to an exit and put her in drive and then the car dies. I call a friend to help me jump it (cuz I'm a moron and tried to start it while in drive with my hazards and headlights on and didn't realize it till after my battery drained just enough) and we hook cables up and start it but then I go to check under the hood since the noise is still there and to my surprise the engine was shaking hard. I examined a little closer to see if I could see the mounts and then she stopped again. Only this time I couldn't get it to start again. Since the alternator didn't have enough time to charge the battery she needed another jump, only she wouldn't turn over no matter how long I left it on to charge. It would turn over a little but then nothing at all, like it didn't have enough juice. So I had a to have it towed to mechanic in some small town and I waited for him to call with the diagnosis. Well, he says its seized up. That they got it to turn over and start once but that it died and seized up. I told him I wasn't running hot, nor was my oil pressure high. Everything in the norm and he said nope its seized and it'll be 2500 to buy and install another engine. Then he said or it might be the gasket but that'll be 1500 still. Something tells me he's trying to make some extra money off me, but idk. Any ideas guys? Thanks!

[Luxrain]

Hmmm..... I'd see if there's any fluid in the cylinders and if so hope it didn't hydro lock or damage anything. Could mebe the intake gaskets? Someone else might chime in

[Sirius]

There isn't enough information there to make a respectable W.A.G. I usually start simple (and cheap) and work up from there, but if I were an odds-maker in Vegas a spun rod bearing wouldn't be off the table.

[RJolly87]

I hope it's something simple, and not too serious, but my gut suggested spun bearing when I first read it.

I could suggest pulling the belts off and seeing if the engine will turn by hand, but I assume the mechanic would have done that.

[1oldman]

did you check the oil? what did the motor oil look like? - BC

[Solid_speed]

Yeah I checked the oil and it was normal, or at least what I think is normal. Dark brown once on the paper and black on the stick, and it was full. I also checked the coolant and it was also clean and full.
No loss off noticeable power up until the moment it starting clinging and clanging.

[Oldman]

I would remove the belts and see what happens. I once bought an old Ford where the engine was supposedly "locked up" and was pleased the discover that the A/C compressor had "imploded" and would not allow the engine to turn over. That would be my first thing to do. After that, I'd probably drop the oil pan and see what's in there. You didn't describe it as a knock, you described clinking and clanking. That sounds more like something came apart in the transmission and locked it up. Maybe I'm overthinking this, but I'm sorry to tell you that it doesn't sound good. Might be worth it to tow it somewhere else for a second opinion if you're not comfortable with who you are dealing with in the small town.

[Solid_speed]

Well looks like it true. She's dead (que trumpet) I don't want to spend 2500 on a new engine. So sad to see my beauty die like this tho. I will be getting a newer car so I don't think I'll be posting here as much anymore :( but I will continue to check out everyone's progress on their beauties. Thanks for all the help y'all have given me since I joined!