Head gasket failure can be one of the most frustrating and expensive engine problems to fix. If you're facing white exhaust smoke, coolant loss, or overheating, Sell My Car Online can help. We buy cars with blown head gaskets nationwide, offering fair prices, free towing, and same-day payment – no expensive repairs needed.
Understanding Head Gasket Problems
The head gasket is a critical engine component that seals the space between your engine block and cylinder head, keeping coolant, oil, and combustion gases separated. When a head gasket fails, these fluids and gases can mix, leading to serious engine problems and potential catastrophic damage if not addressed.
Signs of a Blown Head Gasket
A blown head gasket can manifest through several symptoms:
- White or blue exhaust smoke - Indicates coolant or oil burning in combustion chambers
- Overheating engine - Due to coolant leaking into cylinders or out of the engine
- Bubbling in radiator or overflow tank - Combustion gases entering the cooling system
- Milky oil - Coolant mixing with engine oil, creating a light-colored "milkshake" appearance
- Loss of coolant with no visible leaks - Coolant burning in combustion chambers
- Engine misfires - From coolant entering cylinders or compression loss
- Sweet smell from exhaust - Burning coolant has a distinctive sweet odor
Why Blown Head Gaskets Are So Expensive to Fix
Repairing a blown head gasket is costly for several reasons:
| Repair Component | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Head Gasket Parts | $100-$400 | Actual gasket is relatively inexpensive |
| Labor | $900-$2,000 | Requires extensive disassembly of engine components |
| Machine Shop Services | $200-$500 | Often needed to resurface warped cylinder heads |
| Additional Parts | $300-$600 | Related components like timing belts, water pumps often replaced during repair |
| Secondary Damage Repair | $0-$2,000+ | If head gasket failure caused additional engine damage |
| Total Repair Cost | $1,500-$5,000+ | Depends on vehicle make, model, and extent of damage |
For many vehicles, especially older or high-mileage cars, head gasket repair costs often approach or exceed the vehicle's actual value. This makes selling a more economical choice than repairing in most situations.
Your Options for Selling a Car With a Blown Head Gasket
When facing head gasket failure, you have several options for selling your vehicle. Each approach has distinct advantages and limitations:
Private Sale With Disclosed Issues
Selling privately requires full disclosure of the head gasket problem to potential buyers. This approach has several challenges:
- Limited pool of interested buyers (mostly mechanics and flippers)
- Significant price reduction expectations from buyers
- Extended selling timeline of weeks or months
- Detailed explanations and documentation of the issue
- Potential for buyers to use the problem to negotiate prices even lower
Trading at a Dealership
Most dealerships are reluctant to accept vehicles with blown head gaskets. When they do, offers typically reflect:
- Full deduction of repair costs (often overestimated)
- Additional markdown for their risk
- Further reduction for their profit margin
Dealership offers for cars with head gasket problems are typically among the lowest of all options.
Selling to Auto Salvage or Junk Yards
Traditional junkyards and auto salvage facilities typically pay based primarily on a vehicle's weight as scrap metal, with minimal consideration for parts value. This approach often undervalues vehicles, especially newer models with many functional components beyond the affected engine.
Selling to Specialized Car Buyers
Companies like Sell My Car Online specialize in purchasing vehicles with specific mechanical issues, including blown head gaskets. This approach offers several advantages:
- Fair offers based on the vehicle's overall condition and value
- Quick, convenient selling process (typically 24-48 hours)
- Free towing and pickup services
- No need to fix the head gasket before selling
- Simple paperwork and title transfer
For most sellers with head gasket issues, specialized car buyers provide the optimal balance of fair pricing and convenience.
Why Cars With Blown Head Gaskets Still Have Value
Despite the serious nature of head gasket failure, your vehicle retains significant value for several reasons:
Valuable Functional Components
Most of your vehicle's systems remain completely unaffected by head gasket issues. Transmission, electronics, body panels, interior components, and accessories all retain their full value.
Economical Repairs for Professionals
While head gasket replacement is expensive for individual consumers, specialized shops with the right equipment and expertise can perform these repairs at much lower internal costs.
Intact Engine Components
Unless the problem caused severe overheating or was neglected for an extended period, most engine components remain serviceable despite the head gasket failure.
Demand for Specific Models
Certain makes and models retain strong demand even with mechanical issues, particularly those with otherwise good bodies or rare/desirable features.
At Sell My Car Online, our extensive buyer network includes specialists who understand this value and can offer prices that reflect it, rather than simply treating your car as a problem to be avoided.
How Much Is a Car With a Blown Head Gasket Worth?
Head gasket failure is a serious engine issue that significantly impacts vehicle value, as repairs typically cost $1,500-$5,000 depending on the make and model. Despite this expensive repair, your vehicle still has substantial value. The following table provides estimated values based on vehicle type, age, and overall condition when dealing with head gasket problems:
| Vehicle Type with Head Gasket Issues | Expected Price Range |
|---|---|
| Economy Cars with Head Gasket Failure (Civic, Corolla, Focus) | $500-$2,000 |
| Midsize Sedans with Head Gasket Problems (Accord, Camry, Malibu) | $800-$2,800 |
| SUVs with Blown Head Gasket | $1,200-$4,000 |
| Luxury Vehicles with Head Gasket Issues | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Models Known for Head Gasket Problems (Subaru, certain Chryslers) | $700-$3,000 |
| Recently Manufactured Vehicles with Head Gasket Failure (0-4 years) | $2,500-$8,000+ |
| Vehicles with Early Head Gasket Symptoms (not yet failed) | $1,000-$3,000 higher than complete failure |
How to Sell Your Car With a Blown Head Gasket to Us
Our process makes selling a vehicle with head gasket failure simple and straightforward:
- Request a Free QuoteEnter your vehicle details and describe your head gasket problems. Our system will generate an instant cash offer based on your specific situation.
- Accept Your OfferReview our guaranteed offer, valid for 7 days. If you're satisfied, accept it and schedule a convenient pickup time.
- Free Towing ServiceOur team will come to your location—home, repair shop, or storage facility—to collect your vehicle. We handle all the towing logistics at no cost to you.
- Get Paid ImmediatelyOnce our driver confirms your vehicle's condition matches your description, you'll receive immediate payment via your preferred method—cash, check, or bank transfer.
The entire process typically takes just 24-48 hours from quote acceptance to payment, with no hidden fees or last-minute price reductions.
Common Cars With Head Gasket Problems
While any vehicle can experience head gasket failure, some models are particularly prone to these issues due to design factors, cooling system inadequacies, or manufacturing characteristics:
Subaru (1996-2012)
Particularly the 2.5L engine in Impreza, Legacy, Outback, and Forester models. The boxer engine design with aluminum heads and blocks creates unique thermal expansion challenges.
Ford Focus (2000-2005)
The 2.0L SOHC engine found in these models has higher rates of head gasket failure, especially in vehicles with over 100,000 miles.
Chrysler 2.7L V6 (1998-2010)
Found in various Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models, this engine has a known tendency toward head gasket failure, often accompanied by oil sludge issues.
Chevrolet 3.1L/3.4L V6 (1990s-2000s)
These engines in various GM vehicles have common intake manifold gasket failures that can mimic or lead to head gasket problems.
BMW 3-Series (1999-2006)
Particularly N52/N54/N55 engines can develop head gasket issues due to cooling system failures and high operating temperatures.
Toyota 3.0L V6 (1990s)
Found in Camry, Lexus ES300, and other models, these engines had a design issue that could lead to early head gasket failure.
If you own any of these models and are experiencing symptoms of head gasket failure, getting a quote from us can help you make an informed decision about whether to repair or sell.
Recent Cars With Blown Head Gaskets We've Purchased
Here are examples of vehicles with head gasket problems we've recently bought from satisfied customers:
- 2008 Subaru Impreza - Classic boxer engine head gasket failure - Paid $2,600
- 2004 Ford Focus - Overheating and white smoke issues - Paid $1,200
- 2010 Chevrolet Malibu - Coolant mixing with oil symptoms - Paid $1,900
- 2007 Chrysler 300 - 2.7L engine with head gasket and oil sludge issues - Paid $1,700
- 2005 BMW 325i - Head gasket failure after cooling system problems - Paid $2,300
- 2012 Honda Civic - Unexpected head gasket failure at 110K miles - Paid $3,100
Comparing Your Options for Selling a Car With Head Gasket Problems
| Selling Method | Typical Price Range | Time to Complete Sale | Convenience Level | Repairs Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sell My Car Online | 40-70% of normal value | 24-48 hours | Very High | None - We buy as-is |
| Private Sale | 30-60% of normal value | 2-8+ weeks | Very Low | None, but extensive disclosures required |
| Dealership | 20-40% of normal value | Same day (if accepted) | Medium | None, but significant value reduction |
| Junk/Salvage Yard | 10-30% of normal value | 1-3 days | Medium | None |
| Repair Then Sell | 80-100% of normal value | 2-8+ weeks | Very Low | Complete head gasket repair ($1,500-$5,000) |
For most sellers, our service provides the optimal balance of fair pricing and convenience. We handle the entire process professionally, with no hidden fees or unexpected costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Cars With Blown Head Gaskets
How much is my car with a blown head gasket worth?
Most vehicles with head gasket issues sell for 40-70% of their normal market value, depending on the specific make, model, year, and overall condition. Newer vehicles with head gasket problems typically retain higher percentages of their value than older models. For a precise valuation of your specific situation, use our online quote tool.
Is it worth fixing a blown head gasket before selling?
In most cases, no. Head gasket repairs typically cost $1,500-$5,000, but rarely increase resale value by that same amount. For example, a $3,000 repair might only increase your car's sale price by $1,500-2,000, resulting in a net loss. Unless your vehicle is particularly valuable or collectible, selling as-is is usually more economical.
Can I drive a car with head gasket problems to your location?
We strongly advise against driving a vehicle with head gasket issues, as this can cause catastrophic engine damage through overheating. Our free towing service eliminates the need to risk further damage by driving your car. We'll pick it up from any location—home, work, or repair shop.
How can I be sure I have a blown head gasket?
While formal diagnosis requires professional testing, common symptoms include white exhaust smoke, bubbling in the radiator, coolant loss without visible leaks, milky oil, and repeated overheating. If you've been quoted for head gasket repairs or suspect this issue, we can still provide an offer without formal confirmation.
Will you buy cars with head gasket problems and other issues?
Absolutely. We purchase vehicles with multiple problems, including combined head gasket failure with transmission issues, body damage, electrical problems, or other mechanical failures. Our valuation system considers your vehicle's overall condition to provide a fair offer.
How do I know if my head gasket is blown or if it's another engine problem?
Head gasket failure shares symptoms with other engine issues like cracked blocks, damaged cylinder heads, or intake manifold gasket problems. The good news is that we buy vehicles with all these issues, so precise diagnosis isn't required before selling to us. If your vehicle has cooling system problems, overheating, or fluid mixing, we'll make you a fair offer regardless of the exact cause.
Can I sell my car with a blown head gasket if I still owe money on it?
Yes. We regularly purchase vehicles with outstanding loans, including those with head gasket failures. Our team coordinates directly with your lender to pay off the loan balance and provide you with any remaining equity. The process is seamless and handled entirely by our staff.
What paperwork do I need to sell my car with a blown head gasket?
You'll need your vehicle's title (signed and ready to transfer) and a valid photo ID. If your car has a salvage or rebuilt title, we'll need that documentation as well. Missing your title? We can often help with replacement paperwork or alternative documentation in many states.
Get Your Cash Offer for a Car With Head Gasket Problems Now
Don't let a blown head gasket leave you stranded with repair quotes exceeding your car's value. Sell My Car Online offers a fast, fair way to turn your problem vehicle into cash:
- Free quotes with no obligation to accept
- Free towing from any location
- Fair offers based on your vehicle's overall value
- Fast payment – typically within 24-48 hours of accepting
- Simple paperwork and title transfer process
Our offers are valid for 7 days, giving you time to consider your options. When you're ready to sell, we'll handle everything from paperwork to pickup, making the process as easy as possible.