Head Gasket Repair in Alaska

[97EldoCoupe]

You'll get way more life out of that car than what you're planning to. The transmissions almost last forever. Personally I'd just fix the engine that's in there and be done with it. You'll save money and time that way.

[zonie77]

Olson, Not knowing all your circumstances but just considering what you said about the car. All of this is based on reasonably good maintainence.

Estimated life of the engine when repaired, at least 250K

Trans if fluid replaced, at least 150K and probably 250K

Front end, depends on roads and conditions but here the struts go about 100K but are usable another 25K,just getting mushier. The suspension itself goes 200K.

You know the condition of your car, is it worth fixing if you get another 75K out of it?

[olsonscottm]

My bride and I talked some more about the whole deal and I think I've come to a conclusion or three.

First: I need to separate the value of the car and what I paid for it from the fact that I was lied to about the condition of the car.

Second: If I can expect 200K miles out of the transmission (possibly more) then spending $1000 now on an engine that by all accounts only has the head gasket issue as it's weak spot, makes sense.

Third: I haven't checked, but I would assume that a front end rebuild (struts, CV joints, ball joints, tie-rod ends etc.) probably could be done for $1500-$2000, thus getting even more miles out of it.

So, to summarize, I paid $2600 for the car, I spend $1000 repairing the engine, $2000 on the front end, and I drive the car for 100K miles. That's $5600 dollars for a cadillac that I get to drive for four years (assuming 25K miles a year). Seems it's worth it to me.

After that, maybe I re-engine the car and get another 100K-150K out of it. Then again, maybe I can upgrade to a newer caddy.

Just my $0.02, from somebody who has yet to complete a head gasket job.

Thanks for listening, and providing insight.