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Truck is creeping up on 220K miles and it needs an AC system put in it. Truck is a 1999 Ford F 150 Lariat. Is it worth slapping 1K for an AC system on the truck or would you try and trade it in on something else?

i would wait till winter...Just kiddin!!! Sounds like you got your monies worth. 220K on anything is a whole lot.

If it's otherwise mechanically sound, a few replacement costs here and there are way cheaper than a truck note.

Double R 2 wrote:If it's otherwise mechanically sound, a few replacement costs here and there are way cheaper than a truck note.

My thoughts exactly but i did not know if there was apoint where you say, the truck is loosing value every day and is it time to salvage its worth with a trade in or sell it. I dont now what its worth. Probably 3500-5000 depending on different things. It was missing after a good rain but new plugs and wires fixed that. Had a couple heater cores but no other "major" issues I can think of. Little quirks here and there.

Double R 2 wrote:If it's otherwise mechanically sound, a few replacement costs here and there are way cheaper than a truck note.

This man is correct! 1k is a lot cheaper than buying a new one or having a payment... Spend the 1k, then set yourself back a small car payment every month after that so that you have some money saved up to replace it when the engine and trans fall out driving down the road.

If you have had no major mechanical problems just fix the AC and keep on putting off that truck note. Was almost faced with the same situation a few days ago. A $550 fix however is a lot better than a $550/month payment. 186k miles and trying to get to 250k if possible.

Ya'll are on the same track I was thinking. Just wanted to make sure. Appreciate it.

DeltaCotton12 wrote:

Double R 2 wrote:If it's otherwise mechanically sound, a few replacement costs here and there are way cheaper than a truck note.

My thoughts exactly but i did not know if there was apoint where you say, the truck is loosing value every day and is it time to salvage its worth with a trade in or sell it. I dont now what its worth. Probably 3500-5000 depending on different things. It was missing after a good rain but new plugs and wires fixed that. Had a couple heater cores but no other "major" issues I can think of. Little quirks here and there.

I think you passed that point a long time ago. Might as well keep driving now.

+1 on what everyone else has said! I hope to never have another vehicle payment! Save that monthly payment and pay cash for a vehicle!
On the depreciation thing:
The newer the vehicle, the faster/more they depreciate!
Don't believe me, go to Kelley blue book and check me on this.
Hypothetical:
Compare a 2011 with 25,000 miles to a 2008 with 100,000 miles (same make/model of course)
Then compare a 2002 with 150,000 miles with a 1999 with 220,000 miles.
You do have to factor in upkeep/repairs on an older vehicle.
You also save more on insurance with an older vehicle.
Just my $.02.
Carry on!

I only have a few more years on mine until I get an antique tag. Its been paid for so long, I don't know what a truck payment is.

DeltaCotton12 wrote:Truck is creeping up on 220K miles and it needs an AC system put in it. Truck is a 1999 Ford F 150 Lariat. Is it worth slapping 1K for an AC system on the truck or would you try and trade it in on something else?

get another quote, surely the whole system isn't fired.

Delta Cotton I assume the compressor went out. I am in the business and I would go to the salvage yard and buy a compressor for 100.00 to 125.00. Go to parts house and buy filter drier and orifice tube for about 40.00. Let a shade tree install it and out about 400.00 bucks.

torch wrote:Delta Cotton I assume the compressor went out. I am in the business and I would go to the salvage yard and buy a compressor for 100.00 to 125.00. Go to parts house and buy filter drier and orifice tube for about 40.00. Let a shade tree install it and out about 400.00 bucks.

They did the Dye and found the compressor was shot. I can buy all new parts for just under 300. I could probably handle the job myself with the part swapping but the problem is, If i screw it up, I am the one to blame. If a shop does not get it right, I can take it back until it is right.

The tricky part is getting that compressor off. It's tucked on the bottom passenger side of the motor and you have to go through the wheel well to get to it. I could remove that wheel and open up the well. I can have a shop do the evacuate and then re fill it. Hell, I might of just planned out my weekend now... The thought of paying someone 700 in labor to do something I can do with a bit of effort.... Ouch.

Thanks guys.

DeltaCotton12 wrote:

torch wrote:Delta Cotton I assume the compressor went out. I am in the business and I would go to the salvage yard and buy a compressor for 100.00 to 125.00. Go to parts house and buy filter drier and orifice tube for about 40.00. Let a shade tree install it and out about 400.00 bucks.

They did the Dye and found the compressor was shot. I can buy all new parts for just under 300. I could probably handle the job myself with the part swapping but the problem is, If i screw it up, I am the one to blame. If a shop does not get it right, I can take it back until it is right.

The tricky part is getting that compressor off. It's tucked on the bottom passenger side of the motor and you have to go through the wheel well to get to it. I could remove that wheel and open up the well. I can have a shop do the evacuate and then re fill it. Hell, I might of just planned out my weekend now... The thought of paying someone 700 in labor to do something I can do with a bit of effort.... Ouch.

Thanks guys.

The Dye only found a leak, gauges tell the condition of the system.

Make sure they (or you) flush the system. Especially after a compressor failure.