Pontiac Repair: 1998 Pontiac Montana, head gasket problem, manifold gaskets

Question
I am looking at a 1998 Pontiac Montana to buy, but the owner said that his temperture gage keeps going from hot to cold, he said he needed a thermostat.  What do you think, and if that is the problem how much will it cost to fix.  He also said that he replaced the engine because when he bought the head gaskets blew.  He is asking $2,500.00 for it, it has remote start, power everything, and two side doors.  Is it worth it?

Answer
Hi Julie:
it depends on the shape the van is in. ans the mileage. The price seems cheap enough BUT these engines have haed gasket issues as you mentioned the first engine in this had a head gasket problem, well it could very well have the same issue again. the 3400 engine in these vans have issues with overheating and head gaskets and lower intake manifold gaskets leaking. It' VERY rare that they have thermostat problems. It's usually a much worse problem then a thermostat! As far a a remote start on the van they usually cause more trouble then they are worth and it doesn't make the van worth any more $. Good luck :)