So my 2005 E-350 with 220K miles had it's AC and heat go out 6 years ago, including the defrost.
We are going to be getting rid of one of our vehicles before too long, and it's either the E-350 or the 09 Focus (Focus has right around 290K miles, and is deafening to ride in)
In order to convince my significant other my Super Duty has plenty of life left in her, I need to get the vehicle back to a state of being safe to drive in, in all conditions.
It has been sitting since mid December, and its battery was dead when I tried to demonstrate that it ran like a clock last weekend.
I need to dump some money in this thing to keep it, and I wanted to ask for y'all's advice on some things here...
I got quoted $2,000 to fix the A/C and heat, which included taking the body-on-frame off of the frame to access a leak in the HVAC vaccum system, putting new lines in to prevent the issue from happening again, a new vacuum reservoir, a new compressor, and a couple other bits and ends, to pretty much ensure an AC for the rest of the life of the vehicle... Does this sound like a fair estimate? The mechanic has been trusted for at least 12 years or so, and I can confirm the leak is in the back as I hooked up air to the test valve and heard it leaking out the back.
It needs a few minor suspension components in the back that I am fine with replacing myself, and a new battery...
All in, she needs about $2,500 pumped into her to be a nice daily driver again...
Is it worth it on an old, rusty Ford? Or should I invest in a hearing protection for driving in an 09 Focus with 290K miles with a blowing valve cover gasket and a rap singer prospect to make profitable songs off of that damn car's rattle?
And don't you DARE recommend trading it in and buying a Toyota...
One thing I wanted to note here... The reason it even needs to be fixed anyways is to convince someone to keep it, because we are looking to save on insurance by cutting off a vehicle that is not needed.
It depends on the condition and how bad the rust is. The van is definitely more useful than a Focus.
$2500 is a lot. Maybe skip the A/C and just fix the heat and suspension?
As always, I appreciate the input! The problem is, no A/C, no Defrost/defog... Which is especially dangerous for a vehicle of this size, and is the main reason I am being questioned about the safety of this vehicle, especially for new and newer drivers in the family, who want to drive a 1 ton truck as their daily. I agree with your statement about the van being much more useful than a worn out Focus. But at the same time I hate to dump over 2K in a van not really worth anything, should problems arise. I know that it's hard to recommend advice for a vehicle that you can't see in person, but I'll send some pictures of the rust and update the thread whenever I make my decision, which will likely be within the next couple weeks.
Maybe it's not worth nothing. I checked online and vans like that still go for a chunk of money.