Head gasket?!?!

[JDub]

Just got my saxo 1.1 back from the garage today and they've said that the head gasket is on it's way out, and now I need advice of what to do.

I've been quoted about £400 to get the head gasket replaced, is it worth having this done or should I sell the car and buy another?
I don't really have much money at the moment and I only have the 1.1 because it's my first car and insurance was low.
Also selling the car as it is would be difficult due to the head gasket issues, so I wouldn't get much for it.

What would you all advise?
Would it be best to just put the £400 into it now, knowing that I've still got a fairly good car?

The car still runs okay, but obviously I have no idea when it will go completely.

[JDub]

Also just to add the reason they said about the head gasket is because there was some oil in the water tank and also the water tank was hissing when the engine was turned off.

[JDub]

Anyone?

[666saxo666]

mk 1 1.1's go for peanuts, and with the headgasket gone i dnt think you will be able to sell it at all. How much do you think the cars worth ( mileage etc ). You could do it yourself for way cheaper. I original had a vtr and had no mechanical experience whatsover but by jus buyin tools over time and a haynes manual my vts only goes into the garage come MOT time. Headgasket really isnt a hard job. and would cost less than £100 to do yourself.

[RustySkull]

Do the gasket yourself :)

[JDub]

I'd say the car would only be worth about 700 even in good condition anyway, I'll look into getting it done myself or possibly finding a freelance mechanic that could do it for cheap too.

Just had another quote for £480 and they'd do the valves and seals too, or they'd knock off £90 if I didn't want the valves and seals done??

[marrygold]

I would say £100 labour, stick a new belt and bearing on,gasket etc.
total £220.thats what i say you should be looking at.

[williamanderson31]

i would agree - just done my mk1 1.1 - was reasonably easy tbh - you can get a cam belt for a tenner, new gasket set for 20 and about 20 to have it skimmed

i followed the haynes manual, and it is running beautifully - no hassle at all :)