Rep Power: 0

I have a 2001 Civic with about 65,000 miles on it.
The AC stopped working at about 30,000. The manual shifter assembly had to be just replaced last month, plus the CV joints replaced. Sent $1600 on it just last month, which leads me to my latest issue.

Driving along at about 30 mph, the car lost power, then stalled. We smelled something burning and saw smoke when we lifted the hood. The car restarted, but no power and we heard what sounded like clacking coming from the engine. Got the car the 1/2 mile home.

Today the dealership said that the code showed that it was the TDC sensor. They reset the computer, then were unable to reproduce the problem. Said to drive it until it happens again.

I don't relish the idea of driving down the "St. Petersburg, Florida" expressway at 70 mph and having my car stall or being 2 hours from home and having this happen. Concerned about further damage to my car. Should I, against the dealerships advice, go ahead and have the TDC replaced? If I don't, what type of damage will happen to my car if it does happen again and I force drive it to the dealer? Has anyone else had this experience and what happened?

Seriously considering ebaying the car, with full online disclosure to the buyers, the details about this car and getting something more reliable.

Thanks in advance for your advice.