Mitsubishi Repair: head gaskets, replacing a head gasket, head gaskets

Question
My car was leaking water - so we replaced the water pump.Not the problem, still leaking.Took it to the shop about 3 weeks ago-still have not repaired the problem they keep telling me excuses.They are suppose to apply pressure tomorrow to the heads- what price am i looking at? I feel like i am getting the run around cause i am female!It is a 97-galant ES-automatic------PLEASE HELP ME BEFORE I HURT THESE GUYS!!!LOL

Answer
Penny,
Any garage shop that takes more than a few hours or days to diagnose a leaking problem should be avoided.  First thing you should do is collect your car and take it to another garage.  If you want to do your homework first, check out your yellow pages and make a list of garage in the area you want to bring your car into.  Then, call each one and ask what their hourly rates are.  Sometimes the cheapest is best because they are in competition with near by garages.  

You'll really need to have the leak diagnosed properly.  If your current garage tells you that you'll need a head gasket replaced, tell them 'thank you', pay for their time spent diagnosing it, and have another garage look at it.  Even though that may be the correct diagnosis, they spent way too long looking at your car.  Most garages charge on average of $65/hour, but it's worth calling around to other garages to find out your average local price rate.

Replacing a head gasket is very expensive because it's labor intensive.  Unless your current garage is willing to give you a deal on the parts and labor, you really should give your business to someone else - if anything to send that garage the message that their business practices are unacceptable.
Good luck!