Sooner or not likely later we all have a tale of woe to share. I'm
blissfully cruising up Pacific Coast Highway, soaking up rays and salty
air when I suddenly lose power and stall. Check the rear view and zero
visibility, steam everywhere. The mechanic who rebuilt this well
maintained  '85 1.9 diagnosed "freaky" breakage of one left head stud.
$800-$1000  (ridiculously high?) estimate to repair after 18k miles.
Should I have insisted on new heads and studs in the first place? I
suspect this qualifies as a rhetorical question.

Moral of the story: Frugality has its price. But you knew that.

At least it didn't "loose" power (can we all agree that spell check is
often worthless?). More importantly, any thoughts on this repair?
Thanks!