Basically, I have been informed by RAC man that I had at my car today that the cylinder head gasket is about to go or has gone in my car...which would explain the amount of water that I have been going through.

I know I have to take it to the garage and get it fixed, as I do not have the skills to do this myself, but what sort of cost am I looking to pay for this? I am aware it is a time consuming job, with the RAC man saying between £150 and £350, but when I phoned the Fiat dealership and another couple of local garages, they are quoting between £410 - 500 not including VAT.

Any advice for someone who knows nothing about her car!

Mine was just under £500 at a Fiat main dealer that I go to. The sooner it's done the better. Obviously going to a non Fiat main dealer should work out fairly cheaper since a fair bit is labour.

don't take it to a dealer. Ask around, find a decent independent garage and take it there.

Its time consuming but £500 is a **** take. I'm guessing you have an 8v engine, either the 1108 or 1242?

Its a similar engine to that of the cinq, and when i changed my gasket these are the parts i got:


thats using genuine fiat parts, and changing the minium amount of parts. (cambelt and tensioner should be done when this job is done, unless they're newish anyway)

It can be done cheaper using non-genuine parts, i just wanted to give you an idea of how much labour fiat are charging (£400?)

Thank you for you advice. I have to admit, I try and not take my car to the fiat dealership, but it was the fact that some local garages were quoting prices within the same range as Fiat, that made me think I would be as well going to Fiat.

Many thanks again!