Hi Anthony,

Should I bite the bullet then and replace the compressor? My mechanic already told me it could cost more than 1000$ to fix it...does that sound about right? Would then my AC problems be OK, I'd have cold AC during these hot summer days...;p I don't want to have to keep going back and fixing the AC, I'd like to solve the problem once and for all...Are there any other possibiltiies of AC cold when fast and AC hot when slow?

My mechanic didn't mention all the other possible causes you mentioned for weak compression, can I assume he checked them out or mention them to him?

Also, the problem of weak compression, is it something that happened during this month I've owned the car, or did it occur while still in the previous owner's hands? I'm asking because he advertised the car with AC and I'm considering legal action, ie small claims, if that's the case...

Thanks for alll your help!

Thomas,
If you're in dire need for your A/C to be working in your convertible, than paying $1000 for a new compressor is about the price you'll be facing. A new OEM compressor will cost between $500-$650. A new A/C belt will cost about $25. And labor will be about $200-$300. And then there's tax. So, $1000 is about right. If you want to shop around for a cheaper compressor, call around different garage for lower estimates, you may pay less.

I think I listed most reasons for a cold AC when driving and warm AC at idle in my previous response. You may want to have a mechanic check all those items first before shelling out $1000 for a new compressor.

A competent mechanic can test the compressor while still on the car. Your AC system my just need to be rechaged with new oil. I would call around and ask friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations for A/C service garages in your area. If you can find a place that specilizes in A/C repair, you should go there. They'll know more than the average mechanic. I would not assume your mechanic checked all those items I listed. Mainly because it's easier for the mechanic to just replace the compressor on the assumption that it's broken, and he can make more money that way. Unfortunately, that's how most garages make their money. It is hard to find an honest mechanic out there.

Your AC may have just failed this month for a number of reasons. I know several owners of convertibles cars where I live (some even have Eclipse Spyders). My climates gets very cold winters (snow and ice), and summer days can reach 90s or higher. The convertible owners around here store there cars in the winter. And in the summer, only drive them during sunny days (never rain or even threat of rain). So, these convertible owners always have their tops down when they drive their cars and never use the A/C. If you never use your A/C, the oil that's used to in the system will settle in the receiver/dryer and not properly keep the rest of the A/C system lubricated. If insufficient lubrication can not get to the compressor, it will be not work as well as it should. That is very common since many people with convertibles don't use A/C.

As far as legal action, you'll want to talk to a lawyer about that. If the previous owner said the "car has A/C", whether it works or not may be another thing. My Eclipse has A/C, but it doesn't work because all the refridgerant leaked out. Before you spend more time and energy with legal action, have an A/C shop inpsect your car. It'll save some stress.
Good luck!