More issues with my Punto

Think this might be the final nail in the coffin for my car. I’m not gonna keep it for longer since it’s essentially scrap value and most likely won’t pass its MOT in February.

Today I was driving home, and as I got to a roundabout and pulled away my friend noticed an obnoxious rattling/grinding noise from the engine bay. I tried to ignore it, but then it did it again a bit later as I was driving up to 60mph and I immediately pulled over.

Lifted up the bonnet, the engine was making an awfully loud noise and there was a smell of burning rubber. I revved the car a bit and it became quieter but it was still there. As I drove off, the car seemed to stutter and limp and made a really loud whining noise. I recognised this noise from when my alternator failed, and I hope that isn’t what is happening again.

When at speed the car is fine, but sometimes it sounds like something is being dragged under the engine or that debris are being thrown around. And the rubber smell still lingers. Also going into reverse seemed a bit hard to do, but there was no grinding noise.

Googled it, don’t know what it could be. I suspect a handful of things:

• alternator belt
• clutch
• gearbox/transmission
• head gasket

Can someone tell me what is most likely the issue? Going to call the garage up tomorrow. If it’s a serious issue which is expensive to fix, then I’m chucking it in to a scrap heap.