General question about ka24e pintara motor

[TRX81]

Hey guys wondering if you can give me some help here,   If Cylinders 2,3 & 4 are gone and there's low compression and motor wont start, on a 196,000km motor 

A is it gunna cost and arm and leg to fix it ?
B what exactly does it mean ? -  i ask cause Im really stupid when it comes to the mechanical side of cars.

Cheers
thanks heaps
Matt

[SSS]

A) Yep, expect at least a $1500 bill for a mechanic to put a reco'd standard motor in.
B) Could be anything. Timing chain snapped sending the valves into the pistons, detonation causing your piston ring lands to fracture, leaking headgasket for starters.

[xxxx]

You might get away with buying a new ka24e from a member here, i know theres deffinately a few for sale. If you can get one of those for say $300, and get it installed for another $300 (or do it yourself) you will save some cash.

[TRX81]

thanks heaps hey for the suggestions thus far really appreciate it guys.

Matt