[BWNLV]

Sure could use some advice. I have a 2008 Ford Focus SES 4 door sedan with 87,500 miles with a KBB value between $3800 to $4100 (I listed condition of interior and exterior as fair). A/C went out and Ford Dealership said evaporator is bad and they have to pull dash to repair. Repair estimate is $2400. I also need a brake job that I am guestimating will run around $500.00. I'm not sure it's worth putting $2400 to $2900 in repairs in a 7+ year old car. Appreciate your comments and opinions.

[Trash Can]

I would avoid going to a dealership for any repair unless the vehicle is still under warranty. There's quite a markup in their prices. Search Angie's List for recommendations for auto repair, get another estimate, and go from there.

[Sprague and Henwood]

Take it to your local shade tree mechanic or put it on Craigslist.
Or roll it into the weeds and leave it there.

[EA]

500 for brakes? 2400 for evap? Holy highway robbery.

[vtvette]

Get a few more estimates before you make any decisions.

For the A/C I strongly recommend Picart & Son's Radiator & A/C on Boulder Highway:

1801 N Boulder Hwy,
Henderson, NV 89011
(702) 564-2724


2nd generation owner/operator and some of the nicest families I've ever met. They are 100% honest and very knowledgeable. I've had them work on several cars I've restored at our shop. Everyone in the business I've asked referred them.



Call and ask for Jim (the owner) and he'll likely give you a consult over the phone and possibly an idea of the price. Pretty rare for the evaporator to go out on such a new car but you never know. Dealers charge "flat rate" - the time their service book says it should take to repair regardless of how much time the repair actually takes. A smaller shop will likely charge for the actual time it takes to perform the repair.



As Trash Can said avoid the dealership and try and find a good "Indy" - Independent repair shop for the brakes.



From a financial standpoint it's a proven fact that you almost always come out ahead repairing your car vs. replacing it with a new one. Aside from interest on a loan insurance and registration is generally more on a new car. Buying another used car might mean buying a whole other set of issues. Better the devil you know...

[jet757f]

What exactly happened to the A/C? The reason that I ask is we have Ford Focus that started blowing warm air. Went to auto parts store and got some Freon and charged the system. Works fine now.

[fvansan]

Maybe the solution to your question is can you replace this car with a different one depends which is cheaper. I would take in consideration is your recent vehicle repair history, which may indicate less than average anticipated repair cost for the year and mileage, which may predict future repair costs. ff you haven't done so, Google content about your car to get repair histories and average annual ownership based on the year of the car. Don't forget the cost of taxes and and registration to your costs/benefits comparision. Get a piece of paper and add it all up. Keep emotions out of it.

[nickydim]

Sounds like you're looking for someone to say it's not worth it and trade it in for a newer vehicle. I think if you can get $3800 towards a new vehicle, and you add the full price of repairs of $2000 (based on what you think it might cost), you are $5800 closer to a vehicle that may still be under warranty and headache free. I really don't know what your buying power is or how much of a monthly payment, if at all, you can handle. But I will always look for a newer car with less hassles if I can. Who knows what will go when you reach 90K or 100K which is just around the corner.

Had 3 focus' in my life and each got to over 100K, one topped out a 147K, but it didn't come without some repairs. They each ended up as handmedowns for my kids as they graduated high school, each with between 80-100K when they took them over.

[SportyandMisty]

Originally Posted by jet757f

What exactly happened to the A/C? The reason that I ask is we have Ford Focus that started blowing warm air. Went to auto parts store and got some Freon and charged the system. Works fine now.

Typically, if it lost the refrigerant charge, that means there is a leak somewhere. The expense is in finding the leak (typically using a dye), and then fixing it - which might entail fabricating parts.

[airics]

You are going to have to have the ac blow cold when you trade it in..otherwise you will get crushed on the trade... spend the $30.. do it yourself and see if it blows cold.