I have a 94 C280 -- just turned 100k. The car is in great shape but needs the infamous head gasket (still has original) as well as new tie rod ends and ball joints.

Had the car in to an MB only, non-dealer shop for a look-see on the gasket. He gave me a price.

Discussion wound around to how slow his business is, they are hurting like everyone else, etc. Before I left he offered up that he could give a discount for paying in cash.

The price for the head gasket and full valve job was $2,500.

Aside from "other issues", what would be a fair price for me to offer him in cash to do the head gasket, valve job, and the tie rod ends and ball joints? I really don't have the extra money to do this and being able to get it all done for, maybe, $2,500 may be the difference between me getting the repair at all.

__________________
1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles