So my taurus died, salvage yard is offering $100 bucks

Frugle · 12-01-06, 11:14

what do you think?

My taurus bit the dust.. I was driving to school becuase I didn't want to get my new car wet, and it turned off for the last time in the parking garage.

I've noticed smells and problems over the last few months, but since the car isn't completely mine, my dad wouldn't let me take it to the shop.

So I had it towed out of the parking garage (if you think your car has a CHANCE of dieing, DO NOT park in a parking garage) and to the auto place where the diagnosed it.

The AC compressor went out. not allowing the belt to spin. So the alternator stopped charging and it was just running off the battery, which is why I died like it did.

In order to fix the AC compressor, they have to take the entire front end off, bumper, grill, radiator, etc. and will cost about $1800.

what should I do? Is $100 a good offer? I've already put 100 bucks into it with the tow bill.

EVERYTHING in the car still works, the tires are new, the alternator is brand new, the engine was just in for its 135,000 checkup so everything was fixed. the radio has the auto-climate, and everything still works. It still has the JBL sound system.

literally EVERYTHING still works. it looks great, the paint is in great condition. I have kept it up.. the only problem is the AC compressor.

thoughts please?

BigJimZ28 · 12-01-06, 11:26

dude is I was closer to you I would fix it for $100 +parts

you could get a smaller belt and bypass the ac an some cars

Alex_Perry · 12-01-06, 11:35

My thoughts, exactly. If that's you only problem, I'd fix it.

Also, thats a joke that they need to take the front end off. I had a taurus with a vulcan (3.0L) and I pulled the whole A/C compressor out in a little over an hour. A shorter belt was thrown on, and I was set!

ZoranC · 12-01-06, 12:16

Just what they said, eliminate AC out of the equation. Even if you are to sell the car you will get much more than $100 for running car even if it doesn't have AC.

KevinA · 12-01-06, 12:19

Find a different shop and take it there.

spendyg · 12-01-06, 05:33

Even if you decided it wasn't worth fixing, you could probably put it on craigslist or ebay and get almost 10 times that amount.

Five Star · 12-02-06, 12:24

get a smaller belt and eliminate going to the A.C compressor.
probably cost you $50

Eliot Ness · 12-02-06, 07:28

The cheap (and quick) fix like others have mentioned is eliminate the A/C compresor. That buys you some time to get the compressor replaced at a more reasonable cost. Even if you decide to sell it w/o fixing the A/C you'll be a lot better off than taking $100 for it.

It will be a lot easier to sell a decent running car w/o A/C in the winter or early spring than it will when hot weather returns ******.

Just call around and you'll find a shop willing to put on a shorter belt if you don't want to try it yourself....... and also get a more realistic estimate to replace the compressor if you're going to keep the car.

***** I was selling my sons old beater Escort a few years ago that had A/C that didn't work. I met some foreign students at UK (University of KY) and let them take it for a test drive. This was in August and it was a very hot and humid day. When they came back the windows were rolled up and they were sweating like pigs. One of them said the car didn't cool very well, but I don't think they ever understood what I meant when I said the A/C didn't work

SilverLexus · 12-02-06, 05:14

Check your PMs Frugle.

I have someone interested.

Frugle · 12-02-06, 06:37

sorry, didn't mean for the confusion.. i'm not selling the car for $100... that is how much the salvage yard offered for it. I was asking if that was all I should expect.

Here is the thing.. in excelent running order, the car is KBBed at 2000, and I think mine is worth at least 1500.

I got a quote from the ford dealer to fix it completely for 700... so it would be about a 1000 bucks including tow bills.

That would put it in excellent runnning and mechanical, and I've kept it in perfect looking condition, no major flaws, dents or stains.... do you think I could get 1500?

tom p. · 12-02-06, 06:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frugle

what do you think?

the engine was just in for its 135,000 checkup so everything was fixed.

The thing is just getting broken in. How can you write it off for such a minor issue?

Also, it's great to have a rolling test bed to try all your new detailing supplies on prior to committing on the good car

...ask me how I know

BigJimZ28 · 12-02-06, 07:02

$700 @ the Dealer that tells me someone else could fix it for $400!
don't you have a shop that you trust that can help you out with it?
or take it to a local tech school!(they are a little slow but you can't beat the price)