Need to replace a/c compressor

Rob your daughters college fund.

 

Check Rockauto, they have compressors for $500. Something to make sure of if you're not having a Toyota dealer install/charge it is that they use the right oil. Because the compressor is driven by an electric motor instead of the engine directly, it needs special oil or the motor will burn up. You might be able to have an independent shop install it and the dealer charge it, if necessary.

 

it is tricky, be careful.

 

I hope there isn't more damage. I don't know how miles you have, but its a 10 year old car. Your nearing the practical end of life. You could make it till spring without air, sell the car cheap, and pickup a 2016. By then you could probably pickup a reprogrammed VW diesel cheap. Nobody will want them. Good luck and post your results and pictures to.

 

1. Yes, you could have a used AC compressor installed.
2. If you cannot find a mechanic on the Big Island who can work on Prius AC systems, will the local Toyota dealer install a used compressor?
3. If the answer to #2 is no, then it is time for you and/or your daughter to learn how to DIY. Buy a set of manifold gauges, a vacuum pump, get the R-134a refrigerant, and subscribe to techinfo.toyota.com to get the factory repair manual info. Could be a good father/daughter project and it might encourage her to be more careful when driving in the future.

Good luck.

 

I'm not sure I'd call this sage financial advice. Instead of spending $3,000 (on the high end) to repair a car you already own outright and has not other listed issues, spend $30,000 on a new car instead. I'm no mathematician, but I think $3,000 is probably considerably less than $30,000. And even if his car was falling apart at the seams, it would take quite a long time to rack up $30,000 in repairs.

I'd take Patrick's advice, fyi.