Ford Repair: EGR valve replacement costs, dpfe sensor, emissions testing

Question
Hey Brian. I recently bought a 2002 Ford Focus SE from a neighbor. The car's in great shape, but it turned out, 50 miles down the road my check engine light came on. I had some mechanic down the street take a look at it, ran the code through and it turned out the EGR valve was, in dude's words, "fried." So, he gave me an estimate for labor, the valve and the sensor at $230. I'm going on a trip over the weekend, and I'd like to have this crap taken care of, but if the price is too high and I hit the road, I won't be making the problem worse (or harming any other part of the car) will I? So, is that a decent deal or am I getting fleeced? That's basically it. Thanks for your advice.

Answer
knowing this vehicle, i'm curious why he would be replacing the valve and sensor. if he recieved a code of p0401. then the dpfe sensor needs to be replaced. it monitors how far the egr valve is open and the amount of exhaust going back into the engine. if the valve itself is faulty then, only it needs replacing but, i don't usually give this kind of advise but, here it is. unless you live in a state where emissions testing is done, outside of your check engine light being on, you will never know that valve or sensor is faulty. you may lose 1-2mpg but thats it, you will not do any damage. if you do live in an emissions testing state then yes, you can wait to have it repaired but as far as the total cost. thats really not that bad