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I have a 2001 Buick Century that has a blown head gasket. We are on a fixed income and don't know whether to have it fixed for 400-500 dollars or try to sell it on Craig's list "as is" and explain the problem. Does anybody have any idea what I could get for it ? It has new tires and new brakes and looks good. Should I sell it or fix it.?? Thank you
Blown head gasket is not really a complete diagnosis. Once it is apart it might turn out to be a cracked head. How about replacing it with a motor from a wrecked car? It has been a long time since I worked on cars. I do remember these blown head gasket things can keep needing more and more.
Well, you're not going to find a reliable vehicle for as much as you are going to pay to repair the Buick.
Though like longnecker said, once you crack the engine open, there is the potential to find other problems.
Finding an used motor in a wrecked car may be an option, too.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I agree with the others, and would be very surprised if it turned out to only cost you $500 to get it running again. Since it was worth about 2,000 running, on CL you could expect to get maybe $1,000 or less with the blown head gasket. It's unlikely you could find any decent replacement for that. If you need a car, you should probably take it in to the shop and hope it's just a gasket.
I sold my 1995 Buick for $2000 just last year. Of course it only had 78M miles , no leaks, no dents everything worked and it had been garaged from day one. The buyer is still driving it around. I'm on my 5th Buick and there is not one oil spot on the garage floor. Make fun of Buicks all you want , they are great cars.
Well, I just put it on CL. I pray I can sell it and get a little out of it in case my truck goes bad. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks guys.
One more question. If I AM able to get another car I was thinking about a Ford Fiesta. I think it will fill all my needs and get great gas mileage. agree ? disagree? I really need advice from people that are in the know. Thank you again
Well, I just put it on CL. I pray I can sell it and get a little out of it in case my truck goes bad. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks guys.
One more question. If I AM able to get another car I was thinking about a Ford Fiesta. I think it will fill all my needs and get great gas mileage. agree ? disagree? I really need advice from people that are in the know. Thank you again
The Ford Fiesta is a Fantastic little car,you'll be fine
Fiesta will be all right. If you can fit in of course.
Assuming that is a V6 in your Buick, it's about a day's worth of non stop labor to replace head gasket. Four bangers are easier. So it may be cost prohibitive for you to do, as it's either a knowledgeable well equipped DIY guy, or a shop. I had that job done myself and buddy, on 84 Century, which is basically same V6 layout and labor time.
There is no good ways to appraise your car for CL sale and you will NOT get a lot of $$ for it. Depending on mileage, which for 2001 it should be well above 100 000 miles, and the rest of it being real good condition - I'd say 50% of low end CL price for same car without mechanical issues. Either way will be a long long sale.
Sorry to hear about your trouble.
I have a 2001 Buick Century that has a blown head gasket. We are on a fixed income and don't know whether to have it fixed for 400-500 dollars or try to sell it on Craig's list "as is" and explain the problem. Does anybody have any idea what I could get for it ? It has new tires and new brakes and looks good. Should I sell it or fix it.?? Thank you
You sure it's a head gasket. It's more apt to be the intake manifold gasket. Even so, the fix is probably going to be cost prohibitive. Plus, that era of Century had a lot of other issues.
I'd say it's probably a $1,000 car on Craigslist if you decide to go that direction.
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I have a 2001 Buick Century that has a blown head gasket. We are on a fixed income and don't know whether to have it fixed for 400-500 dollars or try to sell it on Craig's list "as is" and explain the problem. Does anybody have any idea what I could get for it ? It has new tires and new brakes and looks good. Should I sell it or fix it.?? Thank you
