Comments on: A Good Idea?

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Tue, 11 May 2010 02:12:56 +0000

Well we decided to go ahead and pay for repairs. Now I just hope nothing else goes wrong with the vehicle.

By: Alison@This Wasn't In The Plan

Alison@This Wasn't In The Plan — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:46:54 +0000

Wow, that seems like a lot for an a/c repair! We did temporary fixes on one of our cars each summer - we would put some more freon in it at the beginning of the summer and it would work well until the end. We didn't bother really fixing since we knew we weren't going to have the car for more than a few more years.

If my husband and I were in your position, I think we would sell the car and use that money (and no more) to buy a new older one that had working a/c. Actually, he'd probably spend lots of time trying to diagnose and fix the problem on his own. :) Either way it's a gamble, it always seems to be with cars!

By: Stella

Stella — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:47:26 +0000

That's a tough one. I've had the same problem with my 1993 vehicle--the air's been non-functional for almost ten years! However, I live in SoCal near the ocean and most of the time open windows are enough to keep me relatively cool (plus I don't drive much...).

But I'm well acquainted with those hot, humid D.C. summers and if you're in the car a lot (especially in the middle of the day), it would be excruciating to go without air conditioning.

By: Ruby Leigh

Ruby Leigh — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:07:38 +0000

4 years ago, I choose not to fix the air conditioning on my then '97 vehicle. I just drove around with the windows open in August. I kept the car for another 2 years before selling it for $600 (It had some issues and it was a private sale to a friend). Anyhow, It wasn't really an option for me, because I had very little money at the time, and I live in a cooler climate at that.

Similarly, we just paid $250 to fix a semi-old washer, and am wondering if that was a good idea. I think it will pan out, but I certainly was questioning it.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:21:46 +0000

definitely not worth it. Just buy a new(er) car. Your car cannot be worth it.

By: me in millions

me in millions — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:37:00 +0000

I don't know if it's worth it… depends on the trade in value of the car. Might make more sense to put that $$ towards the down payment on a new car.

By: Money Beagle

Money Beagle — Tue, 04 May 2010 11:54:56 +0000

It drives me nuts how the cost of doing this type of repair in a car is pretty much the same (or darn close to it) as it would be for the same type of repair in a house. Tough choice.

By: pharmboy

pharmboy — Tue, 04 May 2010 05:24:10 +0000

It's a gamble obviously, but it paid off for us. My wife's 1996 Ford Escort's a/c went out a few years back. We spent about a thousand bucks to fix it, but she drove that car for 4 or 5 more Oklahoma summers before we sold it. Just cross your fingers! 🙂

By: Jolie

Jolie — Tue, 04 May 2010 03:08:18 +0000

How much is the trade in value of the vehicle? That might help you make a decision.