Factors suggesting it's NOT worth fixing:
* Vehicle's overall condition: Is the car generally well-maintained or is it showing significant wear and tear in other areas? A major repair on an otherwise unreliable car might not be a wise investment.
* Cost of repair: Head gasket replacement can be expensive, especially for labor. Get multiple quotes from reputable mechanics. Compare the repair cost to the car's current value. If the repair cost is more than 50% (or even more conservatively, 75%) of the car's value, it's usually not worthwhile.
* Mileage: High mileage suggests other potential problems lurking. The money you spend on the head gasket might be better spent on a newer, more reliable vehicle.
* Engine condition: Is the engine showing other signs of significant wear and tear? A head gasket failure might be a symptom of a larger problem.
* Your mechanical skills: Are you comfortable performing the repair yourself? If not, the labor costs will significantly increase.
Factors suggesting it MIGHT be worth fixing:
* Low mileage: If the car has relatively low mileage for its age, the rest of the engine might be in good condition.
* Sentimental value: If the car holds sentimental value, the repair might be worth the cost.
* Repair cost is significantly less than the car's value: If the repair is affordable compared to the car's worth, it might be a worthwhile investment.
* You're mechanically inclined and can perform some or all of the work yourself: This drastically reduces the repair cost.
Before making a decision:
1. Get a definitive diagnosis: Make sure it's actually a blown head gasket. Other issues can mimic the symptoms. A compression test and leak-down test are necessary for accurate diagnosis.
2. Get multiple repair quotes: Compare prices from several reputable mechanics.
3. Assess the car's overall condition: Honestly evaluate the car's mechanical and cosmetic state.
In short, there's no simple yes or no answer. Weigh the factors above carefully. If the repair cost is excessive compared to the car's value and overall condition, it's likely more cost-effective to find a replacement vehicle.
