I have a '98 Pontiac Grand Am with a blown head gasket, is it worth fixing for $800??

Question

I bought the car used and have had a lot of problems with it, considering I've had it less than a year.

Answer 1

a decent shop should do it for about 150.00, maybe alittle more. if that's the worst of it just keep it and maintain it. good luck.

Answer 2

check kbb.com (kellyBlueBook) to find out what the car is worth. Use the trade-in value to get the worsecase scenario. Then look at the wholesale and retail values so that you know how much more it could be worth if you sold it yourself. Just answer the questions about the condition of the car and the options accurately since you don't want to fool yourself.
The biggest question here is if you spend the $800 how many more months/years will you get out of the car? Judging from your comments, you may have already sunk in some dough into this and maybe it is time to cut your loses and run! or maybe everything else is new so this car may now last some time without any hassels. since I don't know what else was wrong and what you have changed, I cannot be of more assistance. If you don't put a lot of miles on a car (less than 12,000 per year) and your credit is good (FICO score of 720+), January is a great month to find deals on NEW cars, good leases. Look through the Saturday's paper (comes out late Friday night) and go to the ads. I have purchased most of my cars this way and have SAVED a bunch of money! Give it a shot. Read all the ine print, and don't take "well that car is already sold but we have this one ..." the old bait and switch trick. Don't fall for it. goodluck

Answer 3

You are SURE it's a head gasket ?? Did you run a compression test or is it obvious that it is a gaskey ?? I don't know where you are but local high school and college or trade schools some time work on cars as teaching for students, you buy parts. Check it out. $ 800 is a lot of money for a head gasket.

Answer 4

IF the car was in otherwise decent shape and needed no other major repairs (a big "IF"), I'd say go ahead and have the head gasket replaced. If, however, you're unsure of the condition of the rest of the major components (cooling system, A/C, transmission, drive train), I'd suggest you just put a "For Sale" sign on it and tell anyone who inquires that it has a blown head gasket.

Answer 5

i mechanic for a living,,and it shouldn't cost 800 for a blown head gasket,,that's ridiculous,,500 maybe but not 800 ,i wouldn't pay 800 to get it done,like you said you have had it less then a year,,and it has given a lot of trouble,,i think id find another car to drive,,this one may never be right,,even if you have the gasket replaced on it,,it still may give other problems also,,id look for another car,,sell this one as is,,good luck hope this help,.s

Answer 6

If the car is in good shape other than that,I would certainly think it would be worth repairing..If you try to trade it like it is,you are not likely to get much for it..

You will never get a head gasket replaced for 150.00 though,as i see in an answer here...It is about a 6 hour job and labor would be much more than that..The gasket is not very much but the labor is the tough part..

Answer 7

i think everyone i know that's had that type of car of those years has had a blown head gasket. it's up to you but i'm talking about 4 people and my husband included and something went wrong with the front ends 3-4 months later and ended up getting rid of the car anyway. but you might luck out. personally i would find a new car.

Answer 8

depends on its condition, I would say yes, or you could take a bit of a financial bath and sell it the way it is