Cotreon c3 picasso head gasket gone

sroddx05

hi, my car has broken down this morning and rac said my water was low so filled it and it drank it all. Despite my other half informing him that he had filled it this morning. He then opening the oil dipstick and said it was like baileys and that the heD gasket has gone. I have phoned a few garages and they have quoted approx £600-£800. 
Citroen dealership has quoted best case scenario as £1200 and worst case £2500. They said something about sending the head off to be tested. 
None of the other garages mentioned this. What would you suggest please? 

AdrianC

The dealership are more expensive because their labour rate is much higher per hour, and because they'll be charging you full price for genuine parts.

Yes, it's a good idea to get the head pressure-tested while it's off, in case it's cracked. It's also worth getting the face machined, both to clean it up and to make sure it's properly flat.

Head gaskets don't "just go". Something causes them to go. It might be because the engine's been overheated or the coolant's been run low - in which case, why...?

ratrace

yep Head need to be sent off to have it cleaned, pressure tested and crack tested and to check if the head has warped, depending on the age and the value of the car it may or not be worth fixing

£600 - £800 dosent sound to bad to be fair as this is a very labour heavy job, if you do go ahed with it you might aswell do the cambelt aswell as they have t take that off to get the head off