1998 Dodge Caravan engine lifespan

It all depends on you, secondly you should always go in for a second opinion when these people start talking about repairs with the cost of that magnatude. And it almost sounds like you brought your vehicle into a dealer, because the pricing sounds a bit steep, me personally I would try and verify that these things are actually going on. Was there a check engine light on? And what kind of mechanic says that"its probably one thing, and then goes ahead and installs the part and then finds out its not that, and goes ahead and charges you anyway, thats his fault for changing that item without knowing if that was really the problem, now he's saying that you POBABLY need a fuel pump? TIMES are too hard to be dealing with probabilities. This kind of thing gets me upset and I appologize for letting you hear it but its the truth. I have some video checks that will help you find out if you have a fuel pressure problem or an ignition problem. I would try to find out for myself and then you can say, ok it is the pump or the pressure regulator. One of the first things you check when your fan doesnt shut off, is your engine coolant temperature sensor, and its a cheap item, it will also cause your car not to start. I think these people know whats wrong but they are trying to make some money off of you, hey thats the way I feel. Write back if you have anything else.

This video will show you how to check fuel pressure and determine if you have a bad pump or fuel pressure regulater.:

https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm

This vid will show you how to check for spark and ignition:

https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_engine_ignition_system.htm