[Nina1085]

Hi guys,

I was reading up on some older posts about the blown head gasket issue, but thought I should create a new one, too. 2013 CT here with only 90k miles. Trying to decide if I should spend the $4400 to fix (I'm located in CA), or move on?? I'm so bummed, as I love this car, and it really has been such a good car over the last 5 years... very low maintenance. I could consider trading it in, but not sure of the value on it yet. I see that this car is going for like 22-25k right now, which is insane. I bought for 16k back in 2017.

Some q's:
Is it worth fixing?

Is $4400 a fair price? (they said it would take 24 hours of labor)

What about the hybrid battery? Do you think I will likely be hit with this next?? My shop says they've only seen battery replacements at around 15-20 years, and that hopefully that won't happen for a while... thoughts? insights? My biggest worry is that I spend the 4400 now, and then another 3-4k when the battery dies! At that time I'll be in this car like $24k! Is that crazy or normal?

OH, and also, he mentioned that they could find other issues when they go in to fix the head gasket, no way to know until they are in there... another scary bit... is that common? have you guys found that other issues were discovered and if so, costs associated?

I am struggling to figure out my next move. Any help is appreciated. Thanks so much!

 

[06whitess]

Check other shops and see what they say. I did it myself, and it only cost me 283 in parts. I did spend another 100 or so in told I didn't have, and borrowed an impact wrench to get the harmonic balancer off..... But you can totally do it yourself!

 

[TobiasSing]

If you are in California, definitely check out gasketmasters.

https://www.gasketmasters.com/

 

[06whitess]

I used one of their videos for reference as well. They do a different take on disassembly from the big head gasket thread here, but the jist is all the same.

 

[Nina1085]

If you are in California, definitely check out gasketmasters.

https://www.gasketmasters.com/

Thanks, it appears that they are too far away I'm in San Diego

 

[Nina1085]

Check other shops and see what they say. I did it myself, and it only cost me 283 in parts. I did spend another 100 or so in told I didn't have, and borrowed an impact wrench to get the harmonic balancer off..... But you can totally do it yourself!

I'm not a mechanic So I can't do it myself. I'm curious, though, doesn't 4400 seem high? He's quoting me for 24 hours of labor. Is that right? Thanks for the help

 

[Smaay]

thats 183 an hour, that seems really stiff. But its CA and everyone here tries to poke you without lube. CA has made it so hard on business' they have to rape the customers to break even.

but my first question is, why do you think you need a headgasket? what symptoms do you have?

 

[Nina1085]

thats 183 an hour, that seems really stiff. But its CA and everyone here tries to poke you without lube. CA has made it so hard on business' they have to rape the customers to break even.

but my first question is, why do you think you need a headgasket? what symptoms do you have?

I could hear what sounded like a dripping/water sound behind the steering wheel... seemed like mostly when I would accelerate after being stopped. that was weird, but I thought maybe it was just the ac (prob dumb thought). then a couple days later the Check Engine light came on, so I took it in. They found fault code P0301 and recommended a new head gasket.

 

[06whitess]

I'd say call the gasket masters and see what they quote you. It said they do a lot of same day turnarounds. If close enough, you could maybe AAA or have it towed down some other way for cheap, have them do it same day, and drive home? Always worth a shot.

 

[Mhanley]

Dude definitely check out gasketmasters.com since CA.... Is there a number one out there! I have a 2012 F sport that had the same issue, my buddy changed the head gasket for $800 just because he is a supervisor and is not allowed to touch tools anymore .... and also gave him a **** load of beer ..... Cheers🍺🍻🍺🍺🍺🍻🍺 And the motherfucker is running like a top! Go to bars and find a friend, even though this guy is my best man at a wedding! #CheersEllis #largestcocktailpartyincovington,Ga

 

[KevinB_NJ]

$4400 sounds like stealership prices if you ask me. The guys at Gasket Masters travel also, they've done a few "road shows" repairing customer cars even as far as east coast I think. I would definitely give them a call. BTW, I work a desk job and only tinker with cars but I was able to do this repair myself. I have the luxury of a second vehicle though so the CT being on jack stands for a month or so didn't really matter.

 

[06whitess]

Kingsland area here! Down here on the state border off 95!

 

[Osuwari]

I have a 2011 and used Gasket Masters. They are about a 2 hour drive from me, but they still showed up to my house at 8 AM and finished by 5 PM. The reason why they don't know if that will fix the issue is because a Head Gasket Failure could cause other problems internally and you wouldn't know if anything is messed up until you open the engine.

24 hours is too long. Gasket Masters will drive out to you, at least give them a call to see what can be done for you.

 

[Leo C]

Have you done anything with the vehicle yet?

I live in the area and will take it off your hands and give it a shot if you like.

 

[robinlt2]

Hi guys,

I was reading up on some older posts about the blown head gasket issue, but thought I should create a new one, too. 2013 CT here with only 90k miles. Trying to decide if I should spend the $4400 to fix (I'm located in CA), or move on?? I'm so bummed, as I love this car, and it really has been such a good car over the last 5 years... very low maintenance. I could consider trading it in, but not sure of the value on it yet. I see that this car is going for like 22-25k right now, which is insane. I bought for 16k back in 2017.

Some q's:
Is it worth fixing?

Is $4400 a fair price? (they said it would take 24 hours of labor)

What about the hybrid battery? Do you think I will likely be hit with this next?? My shop says they've only seen battery replacements at around 15-20 years, and that hopefully that won't happen for a while... thoughts? insights? My biggest worry is that I spend the 4400 now, and then another 3-4k when the battery dies! At that time I'll be in this car like $24k! Is that crazy or normal?

OH, and also, he mentioned that they could find other issues when they go in to fix the head gasket, no way to know until they are in there... another scary bit... is that common? have you guys found that other issues were discovered and if so, costs associated?

I am struggling to figure out my next move. Any help is appreciated. Thanks so much!

Dealing with this myself and not sure we'll repair ours (2011 with 168k miles). We had to have the battery replaced in August 2019 - so only 8 years in and 130k miles. Our shop put in a refurbished battery for $3,500. That failed in May 2020 at 139k miles - the shop wanted to charge us again but we got them to replace it with another re-manufactured battery. Fast forward June 2021 (150k miles) - needed ANOTHER battery for $2,600 including labor. Don't know if we just were unlucky, but really concerned about putting $6,600 in to repair the blown gasket (dealer quote - Lexus Corporate only offered $1,500 so fighting with them but they're useless in this area), when the batter will probably die in another 3 or 4 years.

Good luck with yours.