2007 mazda 3 ac compressor replacement cost

The AC seized up in my wife's 2006 Mazda 3 sedan (78k miles). We live in South Carolina, and it gets pretty hot here in the summer.

We have two options:

1. Repair the AC for $1600: We took it to a mechanic who gave us this quote. I believe the compressor seized up and needs to be replaced. I'm hesitant to do this because the repair amounts to approximately 25% of the car's value.

2. I learn to drive a stick and trade cars with my wife. I have a 2007 Mazda 3 in solid condition that will suit her well since she drives a lot for her job as an auditor. I'm a web designer and only spend about half an hour in the car per day. I don't even use my AC that much and usually just put the windows down.

My main question is if it is worth it to pay the $1600 to fix the AC for a car only worth $6000-7000 according to Kelly Blue Book. Without AC, the car is quoted as worth $6250. With AC, it's quoted at $6500. These quotes are based on resale value to private party.

This is my first post to this sub-reddit, so please let me know if I should provide any other information.

Thanks for the advice r/cartalk!

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• AC Compressor replacement cost?

1. 11-03-2015, 07:38 AM #1

   AC Compressor replacement cost?

   I'm being told I need to replace the AC compressor on my 2007 Speed3, which makes sense because my AC was intermittent during the last heat wave of the summer and I've been hearing a rattling/fluttering/scraping sound from my engine bay the last several days.
   I knew compressors were expensive, but I'm being quoted over $1k to have it replaced (apparently over $700 for the part alone). Does that align with other people's experience?
   Thanks.

   

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2. 11-03-2015, 07:58 AM #2

   Re: AC Compressor replacement cost?

   Anything AC related is always expensive unfortunately... I would first find out if its the its the clutch rather than the compressor itself.

   A replacement for a compressor can normally run about $4-500, then factor in the labour to replace it, discharge and recharge the system. At this point they'd probably check out the condenser too, so $1000 is high, but not absurd.

   Is this a quote from a dealership or independent shop?

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3. The Following User Says Thank You to staax For This Useful Post:

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4. 11-03-2015, 09:35 AM #3

   Re: AC Compressor replacement cost?

   

   Originally Posted by staax

   

   Anything AC related is always expensive unfortunately... I would first find out if its the its the clutch rather than the compressor itself.

   A replacement for a compressor can normally run about $4-500, then factor in the labour to replace it, discharge and recharge the system. At this point they'd probably check out the condenser too, so $1000 is high, but not absurd.

   Is this a quote from a dealership or independent shop?

   It's a (trusted) dealership. I'm also hearing from other people it's not out of line. Thanks for the feedback!

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5. 11-03-2015, 09:40 AM #4

   Re: AC Compressor replacement cost?

   sorry to thread jack, but is there equipment that i can rent/buy to let me safely (and legally) empty the A/C system? Taking it to a shop is out of the question since there's pretty much no way to do that outside of dragging it there on a flatbed.

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6. 11-03-2015, 05:55 PM #5

   Re: AC Compressor replacement cost?

   

   Originally Posted by Scottobot

   

   I'm being told I need to replace the AC compressor on my 2007 Speed3, which makes sense because my AC was intermittent during the last heat wave of the summer and I've been hearing a rattling/fluttering/scraping sound from my engine bay the last several days.
   I knew compressors were expensive, but I'm being quoted over $1k to have it replaced (apparently over $700 for the part alone). Does that align with other people's experience?
   Thanks.

   Go to a Junkyard/auto wreckers. I was able to get one for under $200 and then just had a shop install it for me.

   

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7. The Following User Says Thank You to electricf3el For This Useful Post:

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8. 12-06-2015, 05:47 AM #6

   Re: AC Compressor replacement cost?

   My AC stopped working 2 summers ago and I didn't want to spend the money replacing a new/rebuilt compressor because it's so involved, closed system, purging, refilling,etc. My understanding is that the compressor clutch is the piece that breaks down, and that was my problem.
   Well I attempted to replace that yesterday and it was fairly easy, you just need to have the proper tools (snap ring plier and maybe pulley puller) I bought a clutch replacement kit from Ebay and followed the ebay instructions (they have a vid) and youtube. I was willing to chance it for $100.

   Here's the youtube video if you want to take a look and see if that something within your mechanical abilities, then go from there...

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PbXz-CG-8Y

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