$2000 definately wont cover the crown that will be about another $1000 on top. It is definately less expensive ifa general dentist does it but there is a reason he was referred (they dont ususlly refer for no reason) so that would indicate that itns not just straight forward.
If he wants to travel, my old boss in Wantirna would gladly have a look, he is really good at RCT and has lots of special equipment in his rooms that the endodontists use. He is really a very good dentist i was still having him as my dentist when i was on the gold coast, used to organise my appts for when i was down for a few days etc even though i was working in dental surgeries up there.
Let me know if you want his number, he isnt cheap but he would be cheaper than a specialist. See if you can find out exactly why he we being referred, there are lots of reasons it could be but some are less scary than others and may be able to be treated by a general dentist that likes doing RCT>