My compressor is presently frozen. A local shop quoted me $1200 to install a new (chinese) compressor, filter and valve, flush system and charge with a hydrocarbon refrigerant (because our laws on refrigerants are crazy in Canada). Where you would get into more costs, would be if evaporator or condenser needs replacement.

I have had the car for 20 years. When it was my main driver for work, I twice had A/C redone. Both times seized compressor. Back then I paid more - about $2000 first time, I think and that was a while ago. That was at a small dealer.

You do need to shop around (as you are doing) and find out where the poor people get their A/C fixed!

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5