Frustrated....just plain fed up

[ikessky]

Okay, so the problem started this past summer. Every time I would turn the AC off on my '95 Skylark, I would get this bad rattling sound. Then, my AC didn't blow cold air anymore. Now, the rattle is pretty much here all the time. Oh, it gets really quite sometimes, but then (like tonight) it comes back with a vengence. It sounded just terrible tonight.

Here's my dilema. Everything is all on the one side of the engine. The power steering, the water pump, the AC compressor........ My wife is already complaining that I've put too much into this car so I need to be sure that the AC compressor is the culprit. I have the needed parts, but it's probably going to cost $200+ to get it all installed and recharged.

So, based on the information given, what do you all recommend? It's passing some coolant, but I'm pretty sure that's from the rear head gasket. Maybe I should just dump this sucker and pick up the minivan for the wife. Then I can work on breaking the '01 Century.

[Anonymous]

Its always nice getting a newer car.. I'd have to advice you against a minivan because they suck.

Keep your Skylark if its sentimental to you.. but its still only a 95 so you'll get something for it for trade in. Personally I think you should get rid of it if its turning into a lemon, but if you love it then keep it.

[ikessky]

The family is growing, so the minivan idea is getting to be more of a necessity than a luxury. Well, not quite to that point yet, but they are great to travel in. The Skylark is nice, but the Century definitely beats it for comfort. Plus, the Century gives me more room for lots of swaps and tunes!

[Anonymous]

Century = w-body

what about an SUV? I wouldn't mind driving one of those if I have to, since they are 'almost' a truck. Our 95 Lumina Van (3.1) uses way more gas then my GP, I'd think a small V6 SUV wouldn't use a heck of a lot more than a minivan. Then again, a new van are most fuel efficient than the older ones. Food for thought.

[ikessky]

Better gas mileage with the new vans and cheaper insurance also. Plus, for the room you get with a minivan, you would need to buy a larger SUV like a Tahoe or something. Then you are in a pretty big price difference.