Should we sell car before or after fixing it? (Blown head gaskets)?

My husband has a 2004 Saturn with 162K miles on it. He owes $1,800 on it. It hasn't been the greatest car and he'd rather get rid of it and get a newer used car. Things will just continue to go wrong. He just found out that the head gaskets are blown and will cost $1,000 to repair. He hates sinking money into this car. He also does not have the catalytic converter on it. (long story)





Anyway, do you think he should spend the $1,000 on it, and then sell it or just sell it "as is" either to a private party or to a dealer?





Trying to figure out what will cost less in the long run because we'd really rather sell it than have to repair it, so will the $1,000 go far in selling it or is better to just lower the sale price appropriately?





This car's kbb value is showing as:





Private Party: Good (i.e, fixed) $4,095 Fair $3,345





Trade In: Good (i.e., fixed) $3,345 Fair $1,775





Thank you|||Would you buy a car that required a new head gasket, (with the possibility of further things wrong with it), or would you find another car to buy?


If the car is fixed you still need to sell it for $2,800 to cover costs. With, "hasn't been the greatest car", I would guess the condition puts it at the lower end for private sale, $3,345, still a $545 advantage. You are in a jam where you have to get the car going and sell. Trading in is not an option.





One thousand dollars for a head gasket change? That sounds high, get two more quotes or locate a mate that is engine savvy.





GL%26gt;|||Sell it as is. Put the money towards the next car.|||Get a bike. Or an ebike. Cheaper and no need for gas.