Hi, I really, really need some help. We have an '02 Kia Sportage that died while travelling. Nearest mechanic said the cooling fan broke. Gonna be $400. Okay...so the car got left there since they wouldn't get the part until Tues. after the memorial day holiday. Called today to check up on the car. Mechanic says there's another problem....blown head gasket....$4000....is that right?

..!! "another" problem?? I understand the Sportage started overheating, eventually steamed coolant out of radiator...etc..etc....and blame was put on the fan...while it was - not "also" but right from the start- a classic head gasket failure....although not so frequent with this engine....
$4000 is steal...that's all, unless the engine seized completely and needs full overhaul, which is highly improbable. I did not do it on the Sporty, but will do it soon on son's Lada Niva, did it a few times on Dodge Omni, a litany of other cars..... my Studebakers,,,and '51 Plymouth,...and a few others....
A week-end job..... though not a party!
Pay a visit HERE (www.rockauto.com) for an idea of the price of parts....
and check these threads out
HERE (www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB70&Number=783042)
and
HERE (www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB70&Number=699918)
for more info and links.