How much for???

[MarkII16v]

How much cash would I be looking at getting if I break my 1990 Golf GTi 16v 3 door? Its got a mint condition rainbow interior, no wear on either the drivers or passengers seat however the piping has split on 1 section about 1/2 an inch long. Bolsters have been repacked I think as they're as new. Got an original VW leather steering wheel (possibly from a corrado), Momo Champion Steering wheel (with boss) Momo gearknob (owned since August and cost ?50 brand new). Decent set of BBS RA's wrapped in 195/50/15 Toyo Proxies (were new in March time and still got bags of tread left). Original tinted rear Hella lights, as new Hella headlights (replaced originals around 2 months ago), original Hella spot lamps, Grill with GTI 16v badge and all clips(good condition with nothing broken), front and rear big bumpers in good condition, front foglights, basically everything which was on the 90 spec GTI in damned good condition.
Engine runs spot on just its blown a head gasket the second time in as many weeks and I can't afford to get it repaired again  :'( I'm absolutely devastated as I love this car to pieces, its a lovely car in brilliant condition bodywork wise, everything bar the engine is great.
How much and do you think I'd get more selling it as a whole or breaking it?

[davidhawkins_78]

Well personally I'd garage it till you can get it repaired, just this time get a better job - or complain to the people that did the work in the first place!!

I'd put money on the fact they didn't deck the head before replacing the gasket ... and this is the result.

If you love the car that much just bite the bullet and get saving - she's more than worth it from the description. 

[MarkII16v]

I'm gonna get the AA to come collect the car today and return it to my house, definately gonna be on the phone to the garage that did the work last time as I've had the car back for just under a week now. Came to ?560 last time including skimming, new cambelt etc.
Problem is I've just bought a house with my girlfriend so have very little\next to no money spare at the moment. Might get it towed to my parents house and have it garaged there but then I've still gotta pluck the money from somewhere for a second car so I can get about.

[davidhawkins_78]

Well if you've had the car for a week take it back and demand it's fixed free of charge !!!

Explain to the AA the situation and get his opnion as he can obviously see the car. Sorry a new gasket should never last a week - they've not done something right !!!

What's the current symtops for you to think it's gone again ??
(Silly question I know - but just checking)

[Gambit]

yeah if its blown a headgasket within a week id be round asking a few questions at the garage who supposedly fixed it. specially with the amount you paid them!!

[gibby]

I'd have to agree, this wouldn't happen in just a week if it had been done properly, you paid good money to get it fixed and they need to sort it for you really.  If you don't confront and ask the garage then they wont come to you, what've you got to lose, apart from a very nice mk2 which should be incentive enough 

[davidhawkins_78]

I'm sure you know how to handle people - but shouting and screaming at garages never works, be calm but firm and any sh!t mention the small claims court 

[Fielder5757]

Sometimes taking friends down helps too, Especially if they have worked on cars as well. It makes you and your friends look like you know what your talking about (im sure you already do, but they dont know that) And can often work in your faviour, Whevener i drop my car off anyware i always get a lift home off a friend with a worked on car. And ive not been anyware where ive had sh!te service 

[MarkII16v]

Cheers for the advice guys. I think its blown as its done exactly what it did last time, pulled away from a standstill and steam everywhere with water pi$$ed up the windscreen. Looked under the bonnet and the top hose has blown off the radiator flange again 
Gonna get the AA guys to take a look, see if they can confirm its a head gasket then if it is get em to come with me to the garage. When the head gasket is replaced does it mean the engine is a bit more delicate or can it be driven the same as before? Reason I ask is cuz I haven't taken it over 2.5k RPM since having it back thru fear of it blowing again!

[davidhawkins_78]

Well if it's just the top pipe then it might just simply be it wasn't tightened properly after the head work - very easy to miss something like that.

What do you reckon guys ?? I'd not jump to a second gasket straight away after something like that - get a new house (VW ofcourse) as it might just be a fragile pipe that's prone to fracturing - I've had that before with other cars and a new pipe did the job !!

If it's a new pipe then maybe I'd be more suspicious - either way a trip to the garage is a must. Let them know you're unhappy straight away so if the pipe gets sorted and it's fine for a few weeks before something else they know there was a problem from the start ...