Dealer says around $1200 to replace the head gasket. Anyone have it done by a place other than a Saturn dealer?

I used to be a saturn mechanic. You could go any where to have the head gasket replaced, but tell them you want stock parts. the head gasket is a major compont on the vehicle. that price does seem normal.

I just posted a problem with a bad rod with my sc2, but I have also dealt with problems with a head gasket. The actual head gasket is a very inexpensive part, but the labor is quite extensive. The $1200 is mostly labor. A lot of things have to be taken apart. If you are mechanically inclined, and can take the time to do it yourself, you will save a lot of money. Dealerships tend to charge more than say a neighborhood mechanic. Just give you some options, hope this helps!

all you need to know is how to use a tourqe wrench and a haynes or chiltons manual and your good to goooo