Oil leak - Timing Chain Cover - Low cost repair available?

[rcoffman@sapc.edu]

Is there a way to repair this without spending a fortune( estimate is $1000
    plus).  The mechanic says that you must remove the cylinder head to
replace
    the gasket which turns out to be a silcone sealent.  The car has 150,000
on
    it and was using no oil when this leak developed.  Currently the car
takes a
    quart of oil about every 1500 miles.  Do I keep the car and repair the
leak
    or do I start shoping for a replacement.  Any advice offered will be
    appreciated.
    Thanks.
    Rooney