Hello. I know nothing about cars and so I hope that I can explain this clear enough. My dad used to help me, but since he's left I've been flying blind.
I drive an 89 and over the past couple of years have had problems with the car dying while I'm driving or when I pull up to stoplights/signs. I soon realized that the engine fan wasn't coming on and figured that the engine was overheating and shutting itself down.
I actually had the fan replaced and for nearly a year I have had no problems whatsoever. Suddenly yesterday its started up again.
The engine fan isn't coming on when I shut the car down like its supposed to and my air conditioner fan is not working either.

What I need help with is, what the possible problems might be so that when I take it in I don't get ripped off by the mechanic. I've been taken advantage of before because it's clear I know nothing about cars and I can't afford it again. I also can't afford a new car so I would like to salvage what's left of mine. I know it isn't worth much anymore, so I don't want to sink too much money into it either.
I hope someone can help!!!!
Anything anyone can say, please.
Thanks