The van is nearly 15 years old and issues like that can be expected, especially if the van has been driven in snow and salt covered roads. I've had to replace mufflers on many of my vehicles roughly every 2 to 3 years. Salt and non-use of the emergency brake cables can cause them to fail as well.
I can also say this; I live in an area where a lot of salt is used in the winter. As a result I don't see many vehicles older than 12 to 15 years on our roads. I do see, however, many APVs dating back to the late '80s, which to me is a testament to their durability.Parts are still readily available for these vans and you don't have to wait weeks for them to come in. Perhaps a second look or opinion by another garage could have lessened the repair costs and make it easier on the wallet.
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Thought for the Day… Alcohol does not make you fat - It makes you lean... against tables, chairs, floors, walls and ugly people.
If a prostitute here in America loses her job to a prostitute in India , is that considered "outwhoring"??-Jay Leno