If the car is in good shape I would say it’s worth it. $1800.00 is cheaper than a year’s worth of leasing or financing a newer car. For peace of mind I would have the tech go over the whole car to see if there are any other things that may need to be addressed. You don’t want to put 1800.00 into car that may have severe rust or other damage underneath.

Looks like you still have the mounting bolt on?

Was it fine before the light was replaced? Which light did they replace?

Possible stuck thermostat , partially clogged heater core and or air pocket in cooling system.

I recommend trying to use a vacuum pump to bleed. This will make things easier.

Given the fact that the belt didn’t move while cranking, that indicates that the teeth on the belt have stripped off. Ultimately your car is out of time. I am not sure if you’re engine is an interference motor or not. If it is, there is a high probably the valves are bent.

This is just about in “classic car territory”. It’s worth what anyone is willing to pay. If it’s truly a super clean truck with that low mileage it’s not bad if that’s what you’re after. I would recommend getting a professional technician to look at it if you do decide to pull the trigger.

I think it would be worth it to have the alternator and battery checked. Insufficient voltage can make a vehicle do very strange things.

A clogging catalytic converter sounds plausible stating the symptoms you have. Since there is a possibility of a few different things that can cause your issue I would triple verify as this would be an expensive guess.

I would really try to somehow check that air filter. I am very skeptical about lifetime air filter. I know the service manual states that but that car due to its age really has already lived a lifetime. If I am not mistaken, I think Dorman makes a serviceable air filter for your car. I would also after a several mile drive would check the temperature of all 4 wheels with a heat gun. If any one of the 4 wheels are a lot hotter than the rest that indicates sticking brakes at that wheel.

I would have the refrigerant level checked in the vehicle. The system is designed not to operate if there is not enough or too much refrigerant in the system.