astrom33

I have a 2007 C230 Sport with about 130K miles. My mechanic is telling me that I have a head gasket leak. I still owe like $3,400 on it.

Should I sell it (don't even know if I could get $3,400) or should I part it out? I know I'd probably have to come up with the $3,400 before parting it out, but you know what I mean.

The car is in excellent cosmetic shape and, aside from the head gasket leak, is mechanically excellent as well.

dmac5356

Fix it?

astrom33

My apologies. I should've mentioned that I got screwed by a mechanic that misdiagnosed the issue and I ended up paying $2,500 for him trying out things to see what stuck. The mechanic I am going to now is going to charge me $5,000 for it.

At this point I just want to cut my losses and wanted to see what people thought was my best option to recoup as much of my losses as possible.

Thanks for any opinions.

dmac5356

What you spent so far is "sunk costs", water under the bridge. Find some car buddies to help you replace the head gasket DIY, a few hundred dollars for gaskets, possibly having the head machined smooth, fluids, and beer for your friends.

Kazi04

I agree with fixing it. Unfortunately you were taken advantage of by a crooked mechanic that took your money. For what it's worth, I would go back to the shop you paid the $2500 to and see if they will refund your money due to the wrong diagnosis. If they won't do anything for you, I would contact the Better Business Bureau (depending on your location - your profile information is not filled out). I would not expect the shop to give you all $2500 back unless it was all labor costs.

astrom33

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the advice.