I think you’re at the point where you may need to take the plunge and get a big, costly repair.
You've probably already invested a few hours in this. That’s way past my threshold for throwing up the white flag, but YMMV. I guess some people enjoy the challenge?
If I can't get it below big and costly, it doesn't happen. Period. Not without a substantial saving-up period. This is not being cheap or just not wanting to be taken. This is pass/fail. Happen/Doesn't happen.
I'll find a way. I'm back to being willing to source my own parts again.
I know the smart approach is “don’t do your own research” and “trust the experts” and all. And truly, if money were no object, that would be the way to go for sure.
But it is possible to sift through the chaff to find, simultaneously, below-retail AND high-quality parts.
The last shop that quoted me (today) told me the brands of the parts they planned to source. GPD and Global. Next step up, they said, was OEM Motorcraft parts (Ford’s parts division).
So … here’s a
GPD condenser for my vehicle. $84. That might actually be better than the
Motorcraft condenser ($194) – for less than half the price , yet – because the GPD one has corrosion protection.
The first shop that quoted me ($2,600 quote upthread) listed a NAPA condenser at $383 – that’s retail price with an undisclosed markup on top. NAPA is a brand I trust, but not at double the cost of the Motorcraft part. Additionally, if I shopped the NAPA condenser myself,
I’d pay either $316 or $214 (haven’t yet researched the difference between these two parts).
I can do this. I can do the research and come up with a cherry part. Cheap.
…
I called yet another small shop today to ask for a quote over the phone:
Replace the AC condenser and expansion valve on my vehicle, plus vacuuming/refilling the refrigerant (this part is necessary). They asked me up front, “
Are you bringing in the parts?” I said “
No, quote me with parts you source” but I think I’m going to call them back.