99 Taurus What's it worth?

[eippermx]

Got a friend with a California '99 Taurus wagon 3.0, 160K, auto, a/c, & cruise that was over-heated and has tiny bubbles appearing in the coolant tank as soon as the car is started. The body/paint & interior is in very good shape.
I figure at minimum one of the head gaskets are shot. Head?

Can this forum give me opinion what the car is worth?

Appreciate it!

[RickMN]

In California it has a retail price of $2,750 minus the cost of the head repair which is worth about $1,200. But remember, nobody pays full retail price unless they're buying from a car lot. The going rate for buying a car from a private party is half way between retail and trade in. Which means, this car, in this condition, is really only worth about $500.

[Huney1]

Possiblity the head gaskets are blown & head(s) cracked, but you won't know exactly what damage is done or accurately estimate repairs until you get inside the engine. It has 160K Mi on it and could go another 100K IF the bottom end and rings (compression) on all cylinders is good. I would look into two things; get a used engine with low mileage from a salvage yard or a new short block and rebuild the top end then you'd have a nice, servicable car with a lot of miles in it. Some of the engines should be interchangable but make sure you check with the Ford dealer first find out which can be swapped.