Is this worth it?

[Bankos66]

I found a 1993 Toyota Camry V6 XLE w/ auto tranny for $400. The downfall is that it has a blown headgasket. Im open to opinions and my insurance is giving me 4k so open to anything.

http://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/1886181507.html

[Gothmog3VZ]

do it. new hg (in metal, or something similar) would be ideal, use the time the motor is out to swap pistons as well, and you car will be ready for 400whp if that's your plan. otherwise, it'll be indestructible

with 4k, you could get the gaskets + labour, at the very least

[bigbird]

if your insurance gave ya that much then consider wating till you can find a manual V6. you have more then enough money to get one in good condition.

[swagger_wagon468]

Originally Posted by bigbird

if your insurance gave ya that much then consider wating till you can find a manual v6. You have more then enough money to get one in good condition.

^+1

[Bankos66]

just found a nissan 240sx. really interested in this.
http://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/1905972279.html

[ycartf]

While buying a car that needs a head gasket does result in a real good deal for you (if you can DIY which is what I do), the thing you have to find out is why did the head gasket fail? That problem must be fixed or it will happen again, and you need to know if it was the result of something REALLY catastrophic like overheating to the point that the whole engine will be shot. Just replacing a head gasket is one thing, but having big problems in the crankcase is a different story.

[Gothmog3VZ]

Originally Posted by ycartf

While buying a car that needs a head gasket does result in a real good deal for you (if you can DIY which is what I do), the thing you have to find out is why did the head gasket fail? That problem must be fixed or it will happen again, and you need to know if it was the result of something REALLY catastrophic like overheating to the point that the whole engine will be shot. Just replacing a head gasket is one thing, but having big problems in the crankcase is a different story.

3vz = forged crank = will outlast the rest of the car

[AlmightyCamry777]

Originally Posted by bigbird

if your insurance gave ya that much then consider wating till you can find a manual V6. you have more then enough money to get one in good condition.

This.
A blown head gasket on a V6 might mean the other head is just waiting to do the same thing. also how many miles does it have, if very high mileage, then consider how much money fixing the rest of the car is going to take. A $400 car gives you a lot of leeway for fixing things. but i'd want to have some idea how much fixing the car is going to need.