So my model year '02 s has had heating problems lately. The expansion tank was cracked so I replaced that myself with a new one from mini. The problem continued after I checked all my fluids. A mechanic is saying it's the head gasket. And that it would be better to just swap out the entire engine.

That's long story short.

Anyways that seemed a little extreme. But if it's necessary then of course. What are your opinions?!

He wants 1000 flat for labor. Maybe found an engine for around 2500. And it would take about a week.

Thanks for the replies

 

Engine replacement for a blown head gasket? How many miles do you have on it?

 

I have 72000 on the car. But the engine had been replaced before for free by Carmax. So the engine has a little under 55000. It's really hard for me to believe that I have had to have two engines in owning the car for only about a year. I change fluids frequently. And don't really beat her at all. Maybe some spirited drives everynow and then. But it's not like she's my track beast or anything.

What do you think?

 

Unless the rebuilt/remanfactured engine was junk, and the head-gasket has leaked coolant into the oil, it seems kinda aggressive....to replace a pretty young engine. maybe he has a cheap/good source of used motors?
Unless they are rebuilt, which is unlikely, the motor may have an unknown history , and could have any one of a number of problems.......
I would get a second opinion....sounds like a lit of labor, swapping motor, compared to a head gasket.....then again, if there is reason to believe the block is cracked....a swapped motor might be a good idea....but even if the head is bad....it is a pretty easy swap for a pro...just like doing the head-gasket!!
Just my opinion....but ask the $$ for the swap, including labor...if the motor is cheap enough, and comes with the asscories, you might get a ton of free parts to sell/use.