Last night my beloved 1997 Saab 9-5 suffered a major breakdown and I'm
looking for help in deciding what to do. I bought the car 3 years ago
with 90K miles on the clock and have added a further 65K myself. Of
late the engine has been burning more oil, and for the last few days
sounding a bit "tappety". Last night the engine cut out and would not
restart (at an unlit busy T-junction of course!) and inspection
revealed smoke coming out of the oil filler tube and the horrible
greasy yellow foam suggesting a blown head gasket.
I was recovered to my local car mechanic where the car is serviced,
and my diagnosis was confirmed. As major work is needed to replace the
head gasket it makes sense to replace the cam followers at the same
time, and fitting new piston rings might improve oil consumption.
I now have 3 choices:
1. let my local mechanic rebuild the engine (expensive)
2. buy a second-hand engine with no guarantee that it will be any
better than the old engine or indeed any cheaper.
3. buy a reconditioned engine with warranty (VERY expensive)

Any guidance/assistance/advice would be appreciated.
Many thanks,

Jim