$465 to fix my air condition???? (help!)?

Question

Ok initially I got quoted about $1000 dollars at 2 different places.... then I got refered to this other place, an auto parts place, which I went to and it was a large, dirty, seedy, redneck place but they quoted me for $465. $175 for to put in another used air condition compressor. Plus other things and labour so in total they want $465 to fix up my air condition... which is a lot less than the other places but still A LOT! and why was i told at the other places they couldn't put in used compressors in cars? Anyways should I go back to the redneck joint and go with them???????????? my car is a '98 malibu 3.1 with 200 000 kilometers.

they sed its garenteed for 3 months

dont give me that get what u pay for. SNOB

ya but those redneck places scare me. u should see the guys who work there and the people who go there look just as bad. and theres so much junk everywhere.

Answer 1

A 90 day warranty is prety much the same waranty you would get with any A/C compressor (new, rebuilt).

If they indeed offer a 90 day warranty and you can get that in WRITING, then I'd go ahead and save the money. (Anything spoken is as good as the paper it's written on, so don't take a verbal warranty ever!)

Answer 2

As the owner of an auto repair facility, I would like to explain why a shop, or in this case shops, would not entertain a used compressor. There are a number of things that can cause a compressor to require replacement. One is if it is leaking refridgerant. Another is if the pulley seizes, or it doesn't it doesn't function mechanically. I have been approached many times to put in a used compressor for someone. If the person has a compressor that is seized, and isn't concerned with the function of the a/c system, but needs it basically for the pulley, I may be willing to help them out. However, if the concern is making the A/C system work, a used compressor may be 1. as bad as what you take off if it is leaking, and then you pay for us to change it twice or 2. a grinding type noise from the pulley/bearing/clutch assembly. Option number 3 is that the inner workings of the compressor, which I won't attempt to get into here, are not functioning at full capacity. So, you have paid $465 for an A/C repair that may go bad as soon as tomorrow. Given that most wreckers only offer minimal warranty, if it waits until next summer to pack it in, you are then faced with paying for it again. Based on my experience, you, as a paying customer, will be incredibly unhappy because you just forked out almost $500 to be told that it needs to be done again. The first two shops are doing everything they can to ensure that it is done as well as possible the first time to keep everyone happy. I believe fully that the price of the part is the difference in the estimates. P.S. Shouldn't the large, dirty, seedy part of your question tell you what type of "stand behind their work" people you are thinking about dealing with?

Answer 3

I dont know about a used compressor... Did they perhaps mean reconditioned?

If I were you I would have them put in a new compressor since it will carry a warrenty.

The problem with repairs on a vehicle air conditioner, is that it just isnt a swap of a part etc. Whenever any part of your ac system is opened or replaced, the entire system must be discharged according to EPA Standards. Then, most mechanics, and every compressor manufacturer requires that you have a new accumulator installed whenever the system is opened. The accumulator basically is a filter for your system, it removes particles that can cause your compressor to fail, and any moisture that will damage nearly anything inline with the system. Then, new lubricant, and refridgerant must be added up to pressure. I'm guessing there will also be a leak test after installation which can cost a but extra for the uv dye and labor.

Bottom line, you would usually be looking at at least 400 in parts and coolant. The reason most places will not install a used compressor, is that if the "used" one fails, it can cause damage to anything around or connected to your serpintine belt. Your best bet, is to suck up the heat, or pay for new parts. Beware however, If you leave your old one and its bearings fail, you could be left stranded.

Answer 4

I dont think that you should get a used one. If you are going to keep the car for awile than get a new one. If not get a used compressor. A new one is around $190(depending on car) so I think the rednecks trying to screw you with the used compresor to make some extra money. The link below are new universal air compressors for your car. They are brand new and only $160-$170. I think he is trying to make some extra cash.

Answer 5

The redneck place is your beat bet to save money,just make sure they will stand behind their work. The reason the other places won't install a used compressor is just a policy issue.Nothing wrong with a good used unit from a good doner car.

Answer 6

Go to a GM dealer, and get a new AC Delco with a lifetime warranty (not sure if they still do that). I got one on my 95 Suburban back in 98 and It's been a godsend since those transition years to R-134A meant a lot of broken A/C Compressors.

Answer 7

The expensive place can't guarantee used parts. That does seem like a lot of money. It depends on what you want. I have a car that has no air. I'm learning to live with it. It's not worth it to me.

Answer 8

Well if the rednech joint can guarantee that it will work for at least 30 days then I would say go with them, anything over 500.00 and you are being taken for a ride anyways.

Answer 9

If they only guarantee it for 3 months, go somewhere else.

Answer 10

You get what you pay for... That's all I'll say...