Engine Cooling System problems of the 1998 Chevrolet Beretta

While chatting with the mechanic at the dealer I recently heard that general motors has had a problem with the new style orange antifreeze corroding head gaskets on some of their v-6 engines. Word has it they knew there was a problem but have kept quiet about it. I also heard from another mechanicthat they have a problem with premature failure of the valve seats. They both worked at the Chevrolet dealer. Which ever the case, I had a Chevrolet barretta with a v-6 engine. Without warning water started coming out of the exhaust pipe. There were no broken hoses or other leaks present. At the time I thought this was strange. I took it to the Chevrolet dealer, and they told me they could replace the heads, but they wouldn't gaurantee that would fix it. They talked me into buying a new car. All I could afford was a low mileage demonstrator. Now the new car is approaching the same age and it has the same engine. I travel to ohio for christmas. Now I'm worried about this car. I'm a military widow and I can't afford a new car every two or three years. I always took my car to the dealer for inspection and service. I am lucky I was home when this happened. If it had happened last christmas on my way to ohio, I would have froze to death. Most of the dates here are guesses. General motors should have all the correct dates on file. I bought the first car in cabot, arkansas and I bought the second car in branson , missouri. My friend has been a mechanic most of his life and he can't do it any more. He presently owns a 1990 chev. Astro van with a v-6 engine with 250,000 miles on it with no problem. It has always had the old style green antifreeze in it. I feel that if there has been a known problem they should warn people about it. And if I have the same problem with this car it should have been fixed before I bought it.