Quote:
Originally Posted by uberwasser
Looks like it is in nice shape. If it has some records to back up the work claimed, $5k isn't out of the question as an asking price. Some negotiating should get you a price a bit south of that.
When it comes to the A/C, if it isn't working at the time of purchase the buyer should approach the negotiation as though the A/C is broken and in need of overhaul, because for all you know it may very well be.
If somehow he can prove, through service records/parts receipts/etc. that the work was indeed done you'll want to know some details - like was the system vacuum'd properly after reassembly before being left without refrigerant? What oil was used? What parts were actually replaced? Dryer? Expansion valve?
A properly rebuilt system with R134a will work OK in most Southern California weather if you're anywhere near the coast. In the desert, however, you'll be less than impressed without further modification. Here in Tucson I find it works nicely up to about 95F. However, if the system was properly refurb'd with new green o-rings and a universal oil (ester or otherwise) you would have the option of filing with R12 if you can get your hands on the stuff.
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Thanks for the advice. I'll be living in the desert, unfortunately. If I understand correctly, the expansion valve on these cars is located behind the dash and difficult to get to? I converted my 1992 Ford F-250 IDI that I use to own, replaced all the hoses with barrier style hoses, flushed the compressor, evaporator core, condenser, replaced the accumulator and orifice tube. Bought an a/c manifold from Harbor Freight on sale and bought a small Robinair vacuum pump. In the end, I remember it working well, as long as the truck was moving and had continuous airflow through the condenser. In traffic it kind of blew (no pun intended). Funny thing though, I bought all that for several hundred less than a shop quoted me for just replacing the accumulator and "expansion valve" (liars) and a recharge.
I found another for $3K, looks just as clean (they say the a/c works too), however it has over 230K on it. Its understandable why people ask so much more if their cars have less than 200K. There aren't many available.
Dan