I was in a similar position when I bought my latest V6 as "spares or repair" - the car kept overheating, garage changed thermostat, fan, radiator and in the end said it could only be the headgaskets. But the ex-owner of the garage happened by and said that the sniff test was negative. Based on his word and influenced by all the new bits plus a recent belt change I gave the owner an offer, we later agreed on a different sum but it was less than £500. The wife was not impressed as per standard.
It overheated on the way home twice, despite working fan and minus 12c, got towed the last bit. Next day a coolant refill, pressurising the coolant system with compressed air, and finally a few very mild road trips expelling bubbles after each.
That was some 18 months ago, the car is now used about town and motorways too.
Sorry, but I'm still not convinced it's the headgaskets as the sniff test is negative. Someone with more experience can perhaps add more.
Regards
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