95 Pontiac Sunfire with blown head gasket and overheating?

Question

My 95 sunfire started overheating last week. So I took it to the mechanic.

The tested it and said that it is the head gasket. They said to replace it would cost 1500CAD and if it was cracked would cost around 2200CAD.

I'm just not sure if this sounds right. 2200 is probably more than the value of the car!

What should I do?

Answer 1

Take it to another mechanic, could be something else like a bad thermostat ($10) a bad water pump, etc. Always start with the cheap simple things first. Check your oil is there a white milky substance in it? Does your exhaust blow white smoke? If neither are true most likely not a head gasket.