Ok Excuse the maybe long message. I bought a Rover 214 SEI (1995) about 18 months ago. From the start I have had collant problems. After trips to the garage, they replaced the Manifold Inlet Gasket (?) , then after a matter of time the Head Gasket went (this was less than 12 months ago). The head was skimmed , Bolts replaced etc. However, my car over heated on Christmas Eve. The temperature went to the red, so I stopped and filled with water (just in case it was leaking). After a couple of miles it went red again, so I immediately stopped and this followed water bellowing out from somewhere. Upon calling of the AA, adn the car refusing to over heat again, he thought (due to residue on a pipe) that the clip wasnt tight enough, and I maybe had a slow leak. The clip was replaced and off I went. The next day the car overheated again, after driving 3-4 miles. I was near home at the time, so I parked it at home and waited till the garage was open. It was only 300 yards away so safe to drive. The guy started it and felt the various pipes as the engine warmed. He was pretty sure one of the pipes wasnt warming, therefore assumed it was the Thermostat and I might be lucky the head gasket hadn't gone (again). When I went to pick the car up the Thermostat was replaced , but I was informed the head gasket had gone. Rather miffed, I drove it back home determind to scrap the thing. He quoted me £240 + VAT which was significantly cheaper than the garage that done it last time. However he said it might be possible that the enginner might not be able to skim the head again. After my anger has subsided I am thinking that I dont really want to scrap the car and lose all I have spent. I paid £1000 for the car follwed by about that on maintenance. I have had Head Gasket replaced, Manifold Gakset replaces, New clutch, Full new exhaust and Cat, new brake caliper and other stuff I am sure I cannot remember!!
So what do I do? Somebody said I could get a new cylinder head, is this true? I am not a mechanic, and know 0 about cars! Could I do it myself? Should I trust a garage to do it? Any help arreciated, but It would be nice to sell it as a working car! Thanks!