Can anyone help? Peugout 206 cooling problem

[stokeman]

Story so far...i took my 206 to the garage this morning for it's MOT. First time at this garage as it's more local to me since i recently moved. I got a phone call about an hour later saying that due to the radiator leaking they couldn't do the emissions test so had to halt the test. I must admit to being a bit confused as i use the car regularly and i have never had any indication that the rad was leaking ie. water leaking from below or overheating etc...if anything is was running on the cool side (70 degrees) I gave them the benefit of the doubt and was told that with the MOT, a few minor repairs to get it through the MOt, and the rad it would be £240 so i said go ahead.

I have just been called again to be told that following changing the rad they couldn't get it to bleed and have now found that the head gasket has gone and the whole lot is now going to cost me £540!!.

I really am atr a loss what to think..as i said i use the car every day and i have had no indications that there was a problem. I know my way around cars and the only problem i have had lately was the thermo sensor switch which i replaced but as i said since then if anything the car has been running cooler. And i check the water regularly and it never seems that low...certainly not to indicate a rad leak and no drips etc from under the car...I can't help thinking i am being ripped off somewhere along the line but unfortunately they have me over a barrel cos i need the car and even if i took it back as it was i would still have to pay £240 for the rad and the car wouldnt be totally repaired.

Sorry for my vent but i hate the feeling of being ripped off and i wonder if any members have any thoughts on the above..thanks in advance

[pugjim]

Have the garage actually done any test to suspect a faulty head gasket? usually a leakdown test and or sniff test would be done before.

[hotgt]

dont use water use a ready mixed coolant specific 4 your car from pug dealer