Approx cost for a head gasket change on a Mundane?

[wadgebeast]

I've done this before to a 3 series Beemer and a Midget, but it looks infinitely more complex on my banger mondeo that went last night and I haven't really got the time to do it myself. Nice man from the AA said it was a bit of a pig of a job....

Any ideas what it's likely to cost to have it done at an average non-dealership garage so that I can make sure I don't get ripped off.

[dern]

Which engine?

[wadgebeast]

2 litre dohc 16v 4 pot

[dern]

Can't see that it would be proportionally more expensive than any other 4 pot to do. The v6 is a complete b*stard because of access.

[mat205125]

It would have been easier on your BMW and Midgit because of the orientation of the engine giving better access to belts and such (yes I know there wouldn't be a cam belt on the midgit)

The head gasket itself is the easy bit. It's getting all the ancilaries and belts off and/or out of the way in the first place that takes the time and knuckle skin.

Still shouldn't be a massive job to do with a bit of patience.

[wadgebeast]

It's going to cost more than the car is worth! And another one goes to the great scrapdealer in the sky....