Mercury Sable problems

[5269]

I have a '94 Sable 3.0L that I use for driving to work. I knew it needed a new water pump. Thought I could limp it to work for 1 more day before I would take it in. Didn't make it, a few miles before getting there it began losing coolant/smoking, lost power-steering, and finally the belt slipped off. I pretty much tried driving it until it would not go any further, which I knew was dumb, but the temp guage never went too high. Coolant tank was still full, but extremely dark. Got it in to the mechanic and they can't seem to get it started. What kind of damage could I have done by driving it to the end? Mechanic says 2 of the cylinders are only at half the compression that they should be. Only paid $400 for the car so its not the end of the world, but I don't see myself sticking a whole lot into it. Is there hope? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Its done. If you drove it until it stalled than you have probably done more damage than is worth fixing.

The temp gauge needs to be submersed in coolant in order for it to accurately determine coolant temp. If it was not in coolant than it could have led to a false reading.

If the car was a good runner other wise than its unfortunate that it met its demise. A couple hundred bucks could have led to a couple more good years out of it.

[Scott K]

If they mean it doesnt start, as the engine doesnt turn over, or has a lack of compression, call the scrap yard and get what you can for it.