Just thought I'd say that mine is fine (touchwood) but the more I hear of peoples going (and not just those who floor it) the more I get scared.

Why does it cost so much to replace it (properly) is there a hardier one about, and does the Van Aaken kit come with something better?

Cheers all

You can't really predict the head gasket going. A slight mechanical failure, and it could go.

All I can suggest, is not to drive the car if it's overheating.

overheating causing stresses over the head is the main culprit. got to remeber its the seal between two chunks of metal under strain.
there are higher spec gaskets available.dont think VAD use anything uprated.making sure the head is flat/skimmed is more important as is following a correct torquing sequence

can get a spresso gasket, van aaken use std i think