Weird Noise
 

I was on the way to work and a weird clanking noise is coming from the engine. I pulled up to the nearest autozone about 5mins away and found it was low on oil. I filled it back halfway in between full and empty and it still knocks about less than a mile away to work. It sounds like small rocks or a muted dry machine gun, and only is heard from about 2500 to 3000 rpms.

What could this be and what is the remedy?

sounds like a rod bearing about to let loose . running her that low on oil probably did some permanent damage . i wouldnt drive it . have it towed to a shop . actually is it still under factory warranty ? if so id take it to the dealer ( drive it in and dont say anything about running it low on oil ) if its not under warranty id have it towed to a shop to try and keep from doing any more damage . you may get lucky and save yourself a total engine rebuild or swap .

I doubt it's under factory warranty. I bought it from a previous owner and it's a 2009.

There wasn't smoke or anything and the engine stayed at a cool temperature.

Around how much would this cost to replace?

How low on oil were you? If you killed the motor running it low on oil, I'd be shocked if it didn't cost $5k or more to swap in a new shortblock.

It was nearing the tip of the dipstick. It was good and all of a sudden it was low today and started the knock on the way to work

If it shows up on the dipstick, you're low but not terrifyingly so.

So basically my engine is done

I didn't get an engine oil light or anything either

No way to tell. These are noisy engines. You might have gotten lucky. You might be paying more attention since it got low. And the light comes on to indicate low oil pressure, not low oil level. And if it comes on the motor is done.

Just scared. I don't know how I'll be able to pay for a full engine swap lol. I just thought it would be a little more forgiving since it was a quick ordeal but I guess I just have to look around.

Change the oil and send a sample to Blackstone labs. They can give you a bit of early warning if it's on its way out.