2002 Honda Accord Replacing Piston Rings - worth it on 2002

2002 Honda Accord 4 cyl Manual 100000 miles

Trying to decide if a repair is worth it on my 2002 Accord Ex w/ 100,000 miles (car still looks in good shape), which has an engine/ring issue. Or, buy a new/used car (although don't like the idea of going back into pymts).

History:
Took into dealer for repair - burnt exhaust valve - #3 cylinder not working properly. They repaired cylinder head, replaced valve and seats. After the repair I was burning oil too quickly - but no visible oil leaks and no smoke. Also, they kept finding that 2 of the spark plugs were wet with oil at the tip. Dealer kept telling me it was using oil due to an internal wear issue (added supplement to condition internal engine wear), use 20/50 and engine oil supplement, and check oil every 1000 miles. Still did not work after a month, and they finally told me it is a ring issue and will just need to replace engine (can go w/ either short or long block).

Took it for a 2nd opinion, and mechanic said he thinks the piston rings are stuck (compression was fine, engine sounds like it runs fine, the drive is smooth, and no smoke). He also found that 2 of the sparks plugs were wet with oil. Says he can repair rings and bearings for $1545. Or he can replace the engine w/ a short block like Honda suggested (keeping my cylinder head since Honda already repaired it). That will run $3500.

Any advise/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I've been mulling over this for 2 weeks now.