blown head gasket

I got a 97 Honda Accord SE (4 cylin 95000 miles) last year , got a dignostic AFTER buying ( could kill myself now for that) and was told it probably has a heating problem , well nothing happens for antoher year / 10000 miles and last weekend the head gasket blew. My ol' mechanic is advising me to get rid of the car and trade it in as he thinks the problem might be bigger . This car is totally paid off , should I try to get replacement / repair at another shop ( may be honda dealer) or replace the engine or get rid of the car .. suggestions plz

I think the answer is in the diagnosis. TReating it as if it was mine.....

I would put a lot of effort in to finding out if the block if cracked. If not, I would get the head checked for warping and cracks. Put the car back together and then I would check out the cooling system. It is highly likely that there might be a crack or leak in the system causing the heating problems.

Now, if I were to go to this much effort, I would replace the water pump and the timing belt.

Thanks Bruce , Just found out block is cracked

Ouch! There are Japanese motors that they ship over here with low mileage on them, there is the option of a short block and of course a new car.

Good luck!