Kia Sorrento w/ AC COmpressor issue

[kd7kws]

I am looking for a car. I found a Kia Sorrento that I like but it has a bad AC COmpressor.
The car is $2300 for a 2005, v6 3.5L with 125k or so miles on it. If I have to replace the compressor...what am I looking at to fix it?

The seller gave me a URL to buy one for about $170 dollars... but when I called a shop to ask about a "ball park" they want me to bring it in before they will give me an estimate. *sigh* While I understand their situation...If the car is going to cost me 2k to fix...I'm not sure its worth it. THe Kelly BLue Book is about $3500 in "good" condition...seems clean other than the AC Compressor....any ideas? Would you buy it? What would I realistically be looking at to replace the AC COmpressor??

Thanks for your thoughts and comments!
Go LSU!

SEM

[Electrician4you]

A compressor replacement and vaccum out lines and recharge should run 450/600 bucks. Sometimes it's not a bad compressor just low freon. You could get by with a recharge.

I had a F250 and the AC stopped working. I thought the conpressir was bad too. Guy changed the shim behind the clutch. AC started working. He did recharge it. Cost $240 bucks

Take it in as you're assuming it's a bad compressor

[mikey2]

I would buy the car if I really liked everything else about it.

In my mind, I'd figure around $1000. to fix the air conditioner....that way you'll feel relieved if it ends up being much less.

With winter coming, I'd wait till next summer to get it fixed.
That way you'll have plenty of time to see how good this car really is without putting more money into it.

That's the way my mind works anyway.