I have a 2002 Camry LXE which has done 97,000 miles. Just been diagnosed with carbons(?) getting into the cooling system, which my service station says is head gasket. He also said that until he takes the head off to inspect, doesn't know whether it's damaged or not. Has quoted me $1150 to replace the gasket (incl. labor/parts/tax etc.), but said it could be more depending on what the machine shop says.
Is this pricing right, and what could it cost if the head is damaged?
Is this common with 2002 Camrys? I have no idea.

 

If LXE then will assume it is a V6 engine? If so is the shop changing both gaskets?

If this is a 4-cylinder post back as the engine may have other problems besides a head gasket.

If a V6 engine, the head gasket can blow if the engine was overheated. This model engine was used for over 10 years in various Toyota models. If the engine was never overheated this is a little abnormal given the year, miles, etc.

Carbon may mean oil or exhaust gases in the coolant but not sure. The shop can run a test for exhaust gases in the coolant. If the test is positive the problem is a head gasket, cracked head or both.

The issue for the shop is the head could be cracked, if so this is more expense. The machine shop would inspect the head with dies and can do a pressure test. Without taking the engine apart the shop can only guess.

If a V6 engine and doing both heads the price seems OK. Can only guess at the cost of another head, the shop should know this. The machine shop often has a source for rebuilt heads and thus would know the cost of these.