I have a 2001 Ford Focus with no body damage (just a few minor scratches and swirl marks) or rust. I recently took it in for a tune-up and transmission flush hoping this would solve my problems (hesitation, sputtering). I received a call Monday from the mechanic. He told me he went to start the car and it made a clanking noise. He shut it off and pushed it into the garage. After looking at it further in depth he found exactly what was causing the problems. Unfortunately, the head gasket blew. He pulled metal chunks out of cylinder one and found that copious amounts of water had mixed with the oil. All in all my engine is shot.
My apologies if my car lingo sucks. I was wondering how much a 2001 focus with 83,000 mile could be salvaged for. One quote from a salvage yard was $50. Is this accurate? It would be much appreciated if anyone can give me an idea what this car is worth.

Thank you,

Steve

That's low bid. Around $200 is the going rate here.

Don't give the car away, put a used motor in it instead.

If you don't think you can handle the job you would be better off trying to sell it in the paper stating the engine is shot as opposed to trying to sell it to a junkyard. You will get alot more for it. But we are here for advice if you decide to put in a used motor.

About that bid though sounds about right for a salvage yard, don't want to give you crap for it and will make more than what they paid you for it off the first of many things they can sell off of it, I wouldn't give the car to them if the body is in great shape.