auto repairs not fulfilled

[carolyn hersey]

my son and i put his 1988 ford escort in an auto repair shop to replace the motor. the $1400 was paid for this service and the motor was replaced. however,within one week and less than a 100 miles: the new engine caught fire and destroyed the car completely, we have proof that a fuel line was not properly conected. The shops insurance company replaced the money for the engine and a verbal agreement was made between us that the car would be replaced with another car of equal value. in the meantime ,my son used my suv to go to and from work. after 3 mos. snother car was given to us and guess what, the engine had a blown gasket and cannot be driven. It broke down on the way home from the auto repair shop. the shops owner did not pick it up and it was impounded by police. We have since then talked to the owner of the shop and have once again be assured of complice of the agreement. That was in dec of 2000 and we still don't have a car for my son. He had to buy a new car.
This all took place in 1998,99.2000. Can I still have a lawsuit filed againist this auto repair shop owner and how do i go about it. Please don't tell me see a lawyer.all of them in this area will not take a civil or consummer case without alarge amount of money or a personal injury. The fact my house could have burned to the ground (because the car was parked beside it when it caught on fire)makes no difference and I can't afford to pay alot of money up frount. All I want is the money it has cost me and my son not to mention the hassle of trying to get this man to honor his word. Please tell me what my opptions are? Thank you, cf hersey.