How much to replace the air conditioner for a Pontiac Sunfire?

Question

We have a pretty good local mechanic. I say pretty good and not excellent because he isn't free. HA. Takes him a bit longer but there is a savings..

We have an older pontiac sunfire 2001 that suddenly lost the airconditioning from last summer to this summer...possibly during some of the really cold winter months we had here cracked a line or something?

I talked to my mechanic today and he said it could be up to $1500 to replace the evaporator, or - he could use a seal product from Canada and charge it for under $300...but he was going to put it under 50% charge tomorrow and make sure the leak is on the high side and not the low. If it is on the low side, he will charge it so we can use it this summer (or the rest of it), and then next spring sell the car as planned without it working or at least with a disclaimer that it will need recharged regularly.
So my questions are: Does this all sound right? What should I do?

Answer 1

for 1500 dollars u can replace the whole system compressure e,vap dryer a/c lines condenser and have it vaced down and charged that includes labor

Answer 2

If you don't run the AC occasionally, through the cooler months, all the seals will dry out and start to leak. Recharging the system may work for a short time, but it will inevitably leak again. I'm not sure a 2001 Sunfire is worth the trouble. How about getting a newer car?

Answer 3

I think that I would take the car to another guy or shop and get a second estimate. Some shops will look at it for free and let you know what is wrong. They will put a dye in the freon, and run the system and use an ultraviolet light to spot the leak.

I would want to get the system fixed correctly. That way you will have the use of the AC unit until you sell the car. The value of the car will increase when you try to sell it to. Plus, it will sell faster. Do it once, and do it right. good luck.