[gatos]

Unplug the MAF and see if the car drives ok.
Other things that cause loss of power, is blocked EGR valve, in which case, cleaning solves the problem. Also faulty N75 valve, can cause this, as well as a burst intercooler or turbo pipe. Check all of them in case one has a split

If the turbo was gone, the car would be smoking like crazy. I am really surprised that a mechanic even suggested that