Mini head gasket (2002)

Colleague’s Mini has blown its head gasket. They’ve been quoted £1200 in parts and labour by (I believe) main dealer. Anybody know what the price should be at a specialist?

That sounds way too pricey!
I would think it would be around half that at any competent garage.

I would *expect* that any replacement of the head gasket will also include a cambelt change, and all the ancilliary stuff that goes with it? But even so, I'm having difficulty in appreciating that price.

Thanks. As it turns out, that price has encouraged them to buy a (nearly) new car instead.