toyota camry reliability

[ehast13]

I don't know if this is the correct forum but here goes....

My elderly father has a 1995 camry. Unfortunately, his head gasket has blown.

This is the second time the head gasket has gone. The car has 190,000klms and the last time it went was 100,000.

His car is immaculate. Always maintained. Proper coolant. proper oil etc.

He spent over $1500 last time and this time he has been quoted $2500.

The camry is supposed to be reliable and well built. Does anyone know of a mechanic who won't rip him off?

He is isn't loaded with cash (he drives a $2000 camry!) and it seems that everyone we've taken it too tells us it is a major deal. The car isn't get hot or running rough but has started to lose water.

I can get an ea to el gasket done (inlcuding machining the head) for under a grand. A camry is $2500!

If anyone knows someone in the brisbane/ipswich/toowoomba area that can do a reasonably priced job, please let me know.

Alternatively, are jap import motors an option?

I figured this forum is for car related stuff and thought I'd ask around. Somebody here might own a camry or have a missus that has one.