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Hi,
My 2004 Ford Fiesta unfortunately had a head gasket blow. My mechanic has priced the works at $2500. Is this typical for this kind of car and could it be worth it? I am reluctant to give my car to the scrapyard as it has done me well so far, and I wouldn't get much back. What are my potential options? Would it be worth replacing the engine with a second hand one? Open to suggestions, cheers.

Hi there,
These cars look to be priced from 3-4k on trade me, so spending 2.5k might be on the verge of feasible if you consider it's value potential of $500 in current state. If you fit a secondhand engine you are faced with the unknown and it could also blow within a short period of time. If you fix the engine, then you know all the main problematic cooling system items have been checked and/ or replaced. The (downside) cost of repairing an old engine could escalate as things are checked and could quickly blow the budget, so you may want to cut your losses, sell the car for what you can, and then spend the money on a replacement vehicle.

Thanks Cade, from your experience does this price seem typical for this type of job?

Yes this would seem a reasonable amount to expect for this kind of a job.