Forgot to include this too. If he is seeing some sort of metallic particulate, it could be from the turbo bearings, since it dumps its oil back into the pan. This could show on the stick, I suppose. Much different story than an engine rebuild! The turbo might need some attention, if what he says is true.

You can test the play on the turbo shaft. If you take intake hose off and try to move the shaft laterally (not too hard), you should not notice much play. The slightest bit of perceptable wiggle room is normal. If the blades contact the housing- no doubt about it. When bearings are completely gone you will hear screeching or notice that the whole shaft can be moved wherever you push it. The shaft should also spin freely, without a lot of drag.

This could account for some evidence of bearing wear, without displaing signs of a generally spent engine.

This is not a good reason to write the car off, in itself. These old B230FT engines are very durable and can get some serious miles on them. If you like the car, its in good shape and other issues are managable, i would keep it. If you have to do $3000 of work on it to make you satisified w/ it, that is a different story!