Am I paying too much for a new head+gasket?

[MattyG]

Hi,

I was wondering if some mechanic types might help me....I think I might be paying too much for some work done to my car.

My 1987 2L Prelude blew a head gasket and the head was cracked - beyond economical repair according to the garage I have been dealing with. Fine.

To get a 2nd hand head and new Gasket has cost me $1300 (NZ) including GST. I was thinking that this kind of job should be costing me somewhere from $700 - $1000 instead. Basically this garage has been giving me the run-around right from the start - initially quoting me $500 - $600 "if there is nothing wrong with the head". Then $800 - $1000 "worst case scenario". Then "oh BTW that quote didn't include the cost of the new head" - "thats another $250 + GST". So im up for $1300.

Im realy pissed off at them jacking the price up like this - but I let myself in for it - they offered to inspect the head for free, but charge me when putting it back on (if possible). So basically the car was sitting at their garage undriveable while they charged me as much as possible, knowing that I would have to sink the money into it, since I didn't have the resources just to tow it away.

Anyway, did I get ripped off? I have I horrible feeling I got played by this garage.

[Polygon]

Take your car to the dealership and tell them to screw off. I did the same thing to my LeBaron. The head gasket should only cost around $70-$100. The head can cost anywhere from $500+. After the whole ordeal I ended up paying about $2300. That was with a new head gasket, head, and a centerforce clutch, and installation.

Also I would ask to see the head. Make sure the cracks around the valves can't be machined out. Sometimes they can and the mechanic is just jacking you around for more money. That is why I only trust the dealership. Also call the dealership and ask how much a new head gasket and head would cost from them. I'll bet it is cheaper than from that garage, plus you can trust that if something goes wrong with it in the near future the dealership will take care of it.

[MattyG]

Ok thanks Polygon, Ill make sure I see that old head.