So, my '98 v70 awd with just over 140,000 just sprung an oil leak (I just had the timing belt changed and a complete tuneup within the past couple weeks). My local indy mechanic thinks it's a head gasket, about and says it will cost about $1200.

I am trying to decide what to do and would like some input. Should I have this work done, knowing it's a 14 year old car and so on (should I expect additional expensive repairs to pop up on this car? Should I gamble on the hope that a new head gasket could add years and tens of thousands of miles to the life of the car)? Should I eat the $650 or so I've spent on recent repairs and bail on the car? Is this a do-it-yourself job for someone with basic skills (I've done brakes and a few other repairs following directions on Bay 13)?

I really like the car. It's solid, safe, comfortable, and great in our Vermont winters, but it is getting a little long in the tooth. Thanks for any advice you can give.