Trusted Mechanic in Los Angeles?

[TanMan27]

I live in Mar Vista (near Venice) and need a trusted good mechanic to repair the head gasket on my 94'. Does anyone have suggestions. I need help fast!

 

[TanMan27]

Head gasket pricing

Does anybody have experience with this head gasket problem on their V6 3.0?
How much should I be expecting to pay for the repair?
How much for just the gasket?
I'm thinking of replacing it myself so I know it is done correctly.
Is there some special replacement for the old gasket? Is there anything to keep this from happening again? Is this something that should be left to the pros? Any advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[K_Labs]

The job is really expensive and the gasket is like $160 or so. If it is the origonal gasket from when the motor was built there was a design flaw and they have since redesigned the gaskets that they are using to replace them.

 

[augustin25]

If it's the original gasket you could take it to the dealer and get it repaired on Toyota's dime.