Questions and Answers
Diamante: Keep Or Trade?
Q. I have a 1999 Mitsubishi Diamante with the 3.5 liter 6-cylinder engine. It has 45,000 miles on it. It has been well maintained for over two years with regular oil changes and tire rotations. After bringing it in for service this last time my mechanic says that I have a leaking head gasket that I need to keep an eye on and that I may need to get it replaced soon.
My warranty is out on this car but my question is would this be something that would wear out in mostly freeway driving? I understand this is a major repair and could cost me over a thousand dollars. I am thinking of just driving the car for a while and then trading it in, rather then spending money on this repair. I have noticed no loss of compression and my heat gauge stays in the middle at all times. Your advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
BenA. I haven't heard anything in particular about the head gaskets being a problem with that engine, but if your mechanic believes it may become a problem, I'll have to go with his expertise.
Replacing the head gaskets on that car will run about $800.00, parts and labor. if you don't want to put that into the car then by all means, trade it in for a new one.
Head gaskets don't wear out pre se, and they should certaily last more than 45,000 miles.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
