2001 Dodge Stratus 2001 Dodge Stratus engine tapping

Engine Mechanical problem
2001 Dodge Stratus 6 cyl 140000 miles

I have been experiencing some tapping from the engine of my 2001 dodge stratus 2.7l v6. After taking it to a mechanic we found that it had threw a rod or a piston. The car is still driveable however everyone is suggesting that I junk the car, get a whole new engine, or a new car instead of just repairing the initial problem. I dont know what to do. The body of my car is in too good of a condition to just junk. On top of the tapping from the engine the coolant that I put in it just leaks back out and the car starts to overheat immeadiately. If I were to get a whole new engine what can I swap my engine for? All the blogs say the 2.7 is a terrible engine so I really do not want to replace it. Please help