Hi Scotty, really enjoying your videos!
I own a '98 Rav4 with under 80,000 miles. Bought used-but-like-new in 2006 (~5600 miles). It's never failed "Smog" (CA), and other than a few issues over the years it runs great. Not the best mpg but other than gas, insurance and registration, it costs me nothing to drive.
The car's AC always worked great, but gradually stopped blowing cold the last 5-6 months. I saw your recharging AC video but I'm mechanically challenged (to say the least). I think I could do it, but will likely just take it to a shop or keep the (3 out of 4) windows down! (Other one is off-track and stuck closed).
My question is if it's worth keeping my beloved beater much longer. I also own a 2015 Lexus NX200T, so it's not like I'm short on smallish SUVs (don't ask). Besides the AC, the Rav will need brakes, tires, oil changes plus whatever comes up (like a THIRD O2 sensor?!?).
People have offered me roughly $1K for the car, but it's fun and cheap to drive...even while sweaty! Advice?
Bill S.
PS: are you related to Billy Kilmer, the old Washington Redskins quarterback? He had a hoarse voice...unlike your melodic musings, of course! (Or coarse.) :beg:
If you don't know what you're doing, take to a mechanic who specializes in HVAC, the A/C is one of the hardest things to work on, and there is no shame in doing that. It's quite technical. The first thing I would say is the condenser has one or more holes in it. You would also need to replace the receiver/ dryer and replace the expansion valve at minimum. Working on my Ford Ranger's A/C was one of the first things I did on my own, but I have a minor in aerospace engineering. I watched a bunch of videos beforehand, so I knew what I was getting into.
I saw your recharging AC video but I'm mechanically challenged (to say the least).
Take it to an air conditioning expert. You can damage your vehicle or even injure yourself doing the wrong thing while working on AC.
I own a '98 Rav4 with under 80,000 miles. Bought used-but-like-new in 2006 (~5600 miles). It's never failed "Smog" (CA), and other than a few issues over the years it runs great. Not the best mpg but other than gas, insurance and registration, it costs me nothing to drive.
Great!
.
The car's AC always worked great, but gradually stopped blowing cold the last 5-6 months. I saw your recharging AC video but I'm mechanically challenged (to say the least). I think I could do it, but will likely just take it to a shop or keep the (3 out of 4) windows down! (Other one is off-track and stuck closed).
Have a mechanic you trust look at it.
My question is if it's worth keeping my beloved beater much longer.
Yes!
Besides the AC, the Rav will need brakes, tires, oil changes plus whatever comes up (like a THIRD O2 sensor?!?).
That’s fine, like any car.
People have offered me roughly $1K for the car, but it's fun and cheap to drive...even while sweaty! Advice?
Keep it!
Yes
