$2500 for an AC compressor???

[Pirate Pete]

So my AC had lost it's cooling performance and as you know AC is not an option here in Vegas . Long story short I dropped my car off to have the AC checked out. He called me back and said that he recharged the system but noticed oil leaking from the compressor and that a new compressor would be $2500 . I've never heard of an AC compressor costing even close to this amount. Am I missing something different with this cars AC or is this guy out right ripping me off?
I told him that we will stick with just doing a recharge and see if it holds up. 2001 Park Ave base

 

[RD_Atlanta]

I replace my own so I did a search and according to AI the total job should run between $701 and $882.

 

[Pirate Pete]

I replace my own so I did a search and according to AI the total job should run between $701 and $882.

Yeah I searched on google and no source was even saying half of what this shop wants to charge me . If I need to have it changed I'm going to call different shops for quotes 1st

 

[HotZ28]

That quote is outrageous! You can get the whole kit with compressor, expansion valve & accumulator for $200+shipping. Then find an EPA certified 609a shop that will install the kit & flush the system with the new parts & pull a vacuum before adding oil & refrigerant, which is extra & should be less than 3-lbs. Look @ the compressor warranty in the following link The total job should be less than $600 if you order the parts & find an honest shop willing to do that.
! More Information for FOUR SEASONS 3698NK

 

[Pirate Pete]

That quote is outrageous! You can get the whole kit with compressor, expansion valve & accumulator for $200+shipping. Then find an EPA certified 609a shop that will install the kit & flush the system with the new parts & pull a vacuum before adding oil & refrigerant, which is extra & should be less than 3-lbs. Look @ the compressor warranty in the following link The total job should be less than $600 if you order the parts & find an honest shop willing to do that.
! More Information for FOUR SEASONS 3698NK

Thank you. Finding a reliable shop is not easy out here. All up selling thieves . Most places out here don't want you to bring your own parts in . They want to provide it so they can mark up the parts and profit off of them . I don't mind so much but just don't want to pay double or triple the price . Not going to happen . This shop used to be really reliable but I found out the original owner sold the shop to an employee last year so there's that. I did look at reviews for a shop that opened even closer to my house and it got a lot of good reviews . If the refrigerant doesn't hold them I'll call them first .I don't see why it would cost over $1000 unless they were changing the condenser too.

 

[HotZ28]

If the front seal on the existing compressor was actually leaking a little oil, it may still hold a charge for the rest of the heat wave out there! If not, look at the options. I know, the mob is still running things in Vegas! Been there many times & have witnessed that!

 

[Pirate Pete]

If the front seal on the existing compressor was actually leaking a little oil, it may still hold a charge for the rest of the heat wave out there! If not, look at the options. I know, the mob is still running things in Vegas! Been there many times & have witnessed that!

My main concern was to have the AC working good for when my cousin flys out to visit in 2 weeks. I get to play Uber all the time lol. It's just the nature of the beast when you live here. Someone you know eventually comes out here for vacation and I get to be their Uber 🙈 if it needs to be done I'll just pay to have it done. Not for $2500 though. Just had my rear coilovers replaced , new radiator with new hoses, coolant flush . I need to have my seats resurfaced because they're cracked . Will probably wait until next year for that. I want to ask if the upholstered can do a velour pillow top on the seats. Leather seats suck when you live on the sun 😂

 

[HotZ28]

IIRC, the leather seats were an option on the base PAU. You may have to go somewhere else to get a reasonable quote to make the conversion.
BTW, does the AC work after the recharge?

 

[Pirate Pete]

IIRC, the leather seats were an option on the base PAU. You may have to go somewhere else to get a reasonable quote to make the conversion.
BTW, does the AC work after the recharge?

They phased out the cloth seat option in 2001 . Leather only for trh final 4 years. I'm not having that mechanic do it. I have an auto upholsterer here in town where he replaced the broken plastic gears in my seats . He said that he could resurface both front seats for $600.
As far as the AC I was stuck in traffic due to major construction on the highway here. Car was sitting in the sun when I went to pick it up and just sat in standstill traffic. I'll head out and go for a ride later and let you know .

 

[Pirate Pete]

IIRC, the leather seats were an option on the base PAU. You may have to go somewhere else to get a reasonable quote to make the conversion.
BTW, does the AC work after the recharge?

Just went out for a drive and the AC is cold . Back to normal . I just hope it holds up. That mechanic shop could have been lying to make a hefty buck on me.