it seems the owner has no love or doesnt give a shit rat ass about the car. its things like this that makes me so very angry.

 

Sorry that it makes you feel this way, but it is after all an 11 year old car with a lot of miles on it, and we have salty roads here in the uk. I won't be driving it much in the winter months but someone obviously did in the past decade.

Many thanks to the people who actually offered advice on my question, instead of just insulting my car!

 

We aren't used to the salt air in the US. I wouldn't worry too much, just change what is rubber.

 

Foe anyone still interested: I had the gasket replaced, wiped it all down and it has been leak free and running without ever skipping a beat ever since.

 

Personally, I think the feedback you were given was harsh. My head cover has paint flaking like yours, and a little dirt. around the engine is typical of most cars that old not owned by avid car enthusiasts.

That gasket leak wasn't that bad, either. Sure, it needed to be replaced but I wouldn't see it as an urgent problem.

 

Thanks for that, I thought it was a bit harsh too really...ok the engine won't win any beauty prizes but it's a hell of a lot sounder than a lot of the other cars I saw in the same age/mileage range!

To be honest, the response I got put me off these forums a little bit but I've decided to let it slide (it is only the internet after all) and give it another go as I'm sure there is a great community here really!

 

ignore the stupid responses. good to see everything is in good order. i hope while changing the gasket you also checked/changed the spark plug seals. and its ok if your engine bay isnt spot less. that means you spend more time driving it rather than putting it in a parking spot. These cars actually need to get driven.

Cheers!