Dacia,

1) With all due respect to Kebowers, it is NOT possible to replace valve guides in an M103 engine without removing the cylinder head.

2) $800.00 US is a BARGAIN for a complete valve job--as long as your mechanic is doing the job correctly--and you seem to have alot of confidence in your mechanic. So, if you do elect to have this done, it is money well spent.

3) Your mechanic can very easily determine whether your engine has worn valve guides and seals, or simply worn valve seals alone. All he needs to do is remove the valve cover, rocker towers and valve springs, and the guides can be tested for play. If the guides do not have play, then replace the seals alone, especially if you are only planning to keep the car another year or so. If the valve guides do have play, they must be replaced and in this case, putting new valve guide seals alone on will not cure the oil consumption problem. It would be like putting a bandaid on the worn guides.

Good luck with your decision.

Ed