We need to define " bad " .. Have the magnets lost magnetism or are they swelling / coming out if their holders and contacting the sensor causing the ticking? I don't know what they look like so I can't offer specifics.

Some domestic cars ( like a late 90's GM truck 4.3 V 6 and 5.0 5.7 V8 ) have an issue with the crank sensor swelling, crank bearings wearing and the trigger wheel contacting the sensor.

Also, this person needs to get out of this car if they can't afford a $ 1000 repair and into something less expensive to repair. Maint costs are only going to increase from here on out as the car ages.