Rep Power: 0

My beloved 2003 Civic overheated a couple times and was diagnosed with a head gasket problem. I tried a liquid head gasket fix with no success. The local shop quoted me $1300 to machine and replace the head gasket. The car has only 105k miles, but admitted has some other problems, including a broken lock in passenger door, missing weather trim around front windshield (currently using duct tape, super classy I know), etc.

I am deeply torn about whether it is worth sinking the $1300 with the hopes that all will be well for another couple of years at minimum to make the repair worthwhile, with the chance that I might be able to get several more years of use out of the car without further significant repair. (I recently changed the timing belt and associated repairs).

All opinions appreciated!

 
Rep Power: 126

That’s about what a shop would charge. It’s up to you. It sounds like the car has been maintained mechanically so it may be worth it to you. I’d do it myself but I understand that isn’t possible for everyone.

It’s probably worth it in your situation.

 
Rep Power: 223

If you poured that liquid garbage into your cooling system you may have more problems once they get the head off

 
Rep Power: 0

Are you interested in learning how to fix your car? If not my opinion would be to get rid of it. Since as Colin 42 stated that liquid head gasket repair stuff might now introduce more problems into the mix. Yeah 1300 to fix it and then another 1000+ to get rid of the problems that the fix created maybe.
If you ARE interested in fixing your car.. then go to town and have some fun. Its fairly easy to take apart, there are lots fo good videos on YT and forum help here. You could have some serious fun and learn a lot in the meantime.

 
Rep Power: 223

Here's some pictures
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...-problems.html