sunfire head gasket $700 to $1000 to replace? AHHHHH!

[shawel]

My 1999 sunfire which I only purchased 1.5yr ago overheated today. Long story short....change thermostat still overheat...guy tests water pump says its definitely the head gasket. Call dealership...no warranty on the car anymore . Apparently no recalls on the head gaskets according to the dealership.
I'm told it's going to cost me $700 to $1000 to replace and I've been reading here that some people are finding that the heads warp again after replacing the gasket and it needs to be replaced again in a year or so?
Did I make the worse decision of my life when I bought this car or what?
HELP!!!

[hopeless4life]

Search the web a bit you'll find all kinds of this shit.

"Secret warranty on the head gasket of the 2,2L engine: 5 years/100,000 km (140 000 km in Ontario). Internal adjustment policy left to the discretion of dealers, who can make only a certain quota for free repairs. Try asking two dealers before appealing to GM directly, as the manufacturer's refusal is final. Repairs already made will not be reimbursed."

[shawel]

Called a couple dealerships and GM...no help. It cost me $970 to replace that head gasket. The mechanic said there were two divets in it. It's not over heating anymore but the engine light is still on.

[amygrl2010]

I have a 98 sunfire and my car keeps over heating i thought i had a hole in my radiator but i took it to the shop and he just called me and told me that i need a new head gasket so he is running a test on it right now with some dye to make sure that is the problem.

[hotbug1776]

do it yourself and save $600-$900 on the repair, the head will usually warp only when it is over heated. Mine didn't warp on my old Cav. My only cost on that repair was the $100 for the gasket kit and the head bolt kit with 8 hours of work. get the manual and save your money.