P
Proud Momma
Guest
I have a 1998 Ford Explorer. It's in great shape except for one problem... it's leaking Anti-freeze. When I had it inspected last year, they guy told me that it either needs a new freezeplug or a new headgasket. But the only way to know for sure would be to take apart the engine.
He said the freeze plug would cost about $1,000 (mostly labor)
If it's the head gasket then it would be about $2,000 (again mostly labor)
My general rule has always been never to put more into a car than it is worth. So I was willing to pay the $1000 but not $2000.
But to find out, I'd still be on the hook for the approx $1000 because they would have to put in the labor to take apart the engine and put it back together.
So now my hubby thinks it might be better to put the money in to it rather than trading it in and getting another car payment. It's our secondary vehicle and paid off. We have a primary car that we are paying on each month.
So I am trying to figure out a few things....
Based on the age and model, is it worth it to put $2000 into it? It's got probably about 125,000 miles on it, and has no signs of any other problems. Just a smidge of rust near the opening for the gas tank (from drips of gas when filling up, I would guess)
And does anyone have experience enough to know if that mechanic is charging a fair price or if I need to start shopping around more. (I haven't done that yet, but think I will)
He said the freeze plug would cost about $1,000 (mostly labor)
If it's the head gasket then it would be about $2,000 (again mostly labor)
My general rule has always been never to put more into a car than it is worth. So I was willing to pay the $1000 but not $2000.
But to find out, I'd still be on the hook for the approx $1000 because they would have to put in the labor to take apart the engine and put it back together.
So now my hubby thinks it might be better to put the money in to it rather than trading it in and getting another car payment. It's our secondary vehicle and paid off. We have a primary car that we are paying on each month.
So I am trying to figure out a few things....
Based on the age and model, is it worth it to put $2000 into it? It's got probably about 125,000 miles on it, and has no signs of any other problems. Just a smidge of rust near the opening for the gas tank (from drips of gas when filling up, I would guess)
And does anyone have experience enough to know if that mechanic is charging a fair price or if I need to start shopping around more. (I haven't done that yet, but think I will)