How much should I be able to get for selling my car?

Here's how you approach this decision. Take the value of the car in good working condition. How much could you sell the car for if it was in good running condition? Now subtract the cost of the repair. Then subtract another 20% just for the hassle factor and the unknown. That would be your asking price.

So if the car is worth $5000 in good running condition and it takes $2300 to repair the blown head gasket (I have no idea what the actual cost would be) that brings the value down to $2700. Subtract another 20% and that takes you down to $2160. So the car is worth about $2100 in non running condition. Apply that same math to your specific numbers.

The reason you subtract the extra 20% is because the buyer can't test drive the car. They have no idea how many other things might be wrong with the car other than the blown head gasket. They may start to rebuild the car and end up replacing much more than just a head gasket to get the car in good running condition. That unknown is why you discount the car even further.

Your selling price would be the highest cash offer you can get.

A salvage yard is only going to give you $300 for the car.

On a car that old fixing a blown head gasket could be more than the car is worth. It's doubtful you would find a buyer even on Craig's list. As to how much a salvage yard will give it's not much. Usually less than $100. You might be able to sell the tires separately and at least get part of that money back.

This is a $500 vehicle, whether it's parted out on CL or traded in at a dealer. At a salvage yard, it's a $150-$200 car.

Used tires are worth $20 each. You will likely get about maybe $180 for it.

$500 if you are lucky.