Posting a follow up to this post.

Still undecided as to what to do.

Did talk to the dealer and asked them to give me a written quote of what exactly would be done/changed for that amount, let me know what do you think?

They said that they would do the valve job (sublet to machine shop), headgasket, reman water pump, thermostat, timing chain w/ tensioners & sliding rail, and belt tensioner, for 3500 (including tax).

The belt tensioner was changed some 100k miles ago, the water pump probably (cant find my receipt) has about 30k miles (im sure i could ask them to skip that - but figured they are already in there).

I am the third owner, and purchased the car when it had 103-105k miles. I have placed the other 100k+ (mostly highway). Have mechanic receipts from the 2nd owner and I do not see timing chain work nor valves so it looks like it needs both.

So does all this work seem more in line w/ the amount?

So far the ballpark quotes i have received from people have been $3500, $3000, $2500-$3000
Still waiting for a detailed quote from the other two (they have not visually seen the car per se).

Was told the sublet job including parts would be around $600. I did call a random local machine shop who said it would be a ballpark of $350-450 plus, but he wouldnt be able to know for sure until he saw the cylinder head (understandable).

Seems to me based on what i have read that all suggested items are needed given the amt of miles the vehicle has. I could almost buy another used one, but then i wouldnt know the history of it, and may still have to fix it some more.

Eventually ill become mechanical DIY (dont have the place nor the tools to work with as of yet).

I got to tell you.. i was even wondering maybe i could drive to Texas and have Larry do his magic (close to Plano?) not sure if they car would make it there though.

Thoughs?

Thanks

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89 300E - 240k +