Car Questions: Head Gasket

The Rick · 09-16-2006, 08:55 PM

I have a '97 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24. It's probably worth about $2000. Lately, I've been having problems with it running pretty hot and with it leaking coolant. Took it to a place and they said the head gasket was the problem and needed to be replaced. Cost? Easily $1000.

My first question is what would you say is the "magic formula" for whether or not to fix a car given the cost of the repair, how much the car is worth, etc.

Basically, before all of this I was planning on replacing the car in the next 6-12 months. The wife and I have been working our tails off trying to pay off all debt (Dave Ramsey method). That will be done in the next 6 months or so. Then, the plan was to save up some quick cash to buy a new(er) car for each of us. We make really good money now (6 figures between the two of us) so the plan was to save up about $12,000 over the course of 3 months and use it to pay cash for a car for one of us. Then, do the same thing for a second vehicle.

That was the plan anyway. Now, this has come up. If I don't fix it right away, is it safe to drive and how long can it be driven like it is as long as I continue to fill it with water (antifreeze when it gets colder)?

I did buy some liquid stuff that supposedly can maybe fix the leak that I'm going to try. However, I have to figure out how to drain the coolant and flush the system. Then, I need to let it sit for up to 24 hours according to the instructions on the liquid. I don't know when I'm going to find a time where I can do without the car for two days given our busy work schedules.

So, to summarize, my questions are:

1. Is it worth fixing knowing my financial situation and plans? I mean, it's not that I can't afford the $1000...it's more the principle.

2. How safe/good is it to drive under it's current condition as long as it has coolant in it? Even with it full of coolant, it still runs hot (never touches the red, but it's up there).

Thanks for the advice in advance. This is what I love about the Planet...

09-16-2006, 08:55 PM	Topic Starter
The Rick Veteran Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Milwaukee, WI Casino cash: $7581320	Car Questions: Head Gasket I have a '97 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24. It's probably worth about $2000. Lately, I've been having problems with it running pretty hot and with it leaking coolant. Took it to a place and they said the head gasket was the problem and needed to be replaced. Cost? Easily $1000. My first question is what would you say is the "magic formula" for whether or not to fix a car given the cost of the repair, how much the car is worth, etc. Basically, before all of this I was planning on replacing the car in the next 6-12 months. The wife and I have been working our tails off trying to pay off all debt (Dave Ramsey method). That will be done in the next 6 months or so. Then, the plan was to save up some quick cash to buy a new(er) car for each of us. We make really good money now (6 figures between the two of us) so the plan was to save up about $12,000 over the course of 3 months and use it to pay cash for a car for one of us. Then, do the same thing for a second vehicle. That was the plan anyway. Now, this has come up. If I don't fix it right away, is it safe to drive and how long can it be driven like it is as long as I continue to fill it with water (antifreeze when it gets colder)? I did buy some liquid stuff that supposedly can maybe fix the leak that I'm going to try. However, I have to figure out how to drain the coolant and flush the system. Then, I need to let it sit for up to 24 hours according to the instructions on the liquid. I don't know when I'm going to find a time where I can do without the car for two days given our busy work schedules. So, to summarize, my questions are: 1. Is it worth fixing knowing my financial situation and plans? I mean, it's not that I can't afford the $1000...it's more the principle. 2. How safe/good is it to drive under it's current condition as long as it has coolant in it? Even with it full of coolant, it still runs hot (never touches the red, but it's up there). Thanks for the advice in advance. This is what I love about the Planet...
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