my friends car, 98 chevy malibu 3.1 v6. car makes a pop in the engine while driving, then roughly runs. as soon as he pulls over it dies. no ses light. 125k miles, the car had aceptible owners that took car of it, though many different drivers. it has lost power over time.prob not as much maitnence as needed.
when he cranks it it starts then dies quickly. the mechanic he took it to said the motor is shot. but he didnt say what. is this car fixable. im thinking compresion test. haven't seen the car yet but i will soon anything i should check out please reply.

MAF sensor ? that happened to me when i unplugged it, or a Vaccum leak could cause it to die, once again happend to me.

No crap a mecanic would say "new motor"...

the guy prob wants $$$$$$$$$$$$$$