TJ A/C unit is broken

[samm]

We have an 06 TJ. When we purchased it, there was an aftermarket AC unit already put in, but it's broken.
Our dealer said they can put a whole new unit in for just over $2000 and we only have to pay half the bill.
For anyone who's had experience buying AC units, is this a good option for us?
Should we be looking into something else, or is a great deal?

Thanks

[Immortal]

What is broken on it?

[Spinalguy]

2 reasons not to get AC...
Its now winter
Its a jeep, try the air conditioning it comes with.

i would not dump a grand on AC in a jeep.

[birdo]

Sounds like the Stealer wants to replace the whole works for that price. You can certainly get parts like compressors thru the aftermarket.
Take it from me, you don't want to take your Jeep to a dealership for repairs. Find a good local 4x4 shop. Better yet, someone who specializes in Jeeps.
Lots of guys in here can put you onto a good shop. I have AC in my rig but honestly, I could happily bypass it and not miss it it at all.
Have fun.

[binare]

I've never felt myself missing ac in a wrangler before, when its hot enough to need it, back windows zipped down and the front windows open.

[samm]

Haha, well I am a girl, so AC is a must for me.

The dealer told us the compressor and condenser need replacing.
They said the problem was that the company who made this aftermarket unit is no longer in business, so they are unable to just replace parts.
We were told that we would need a whole new unit, and they priced it at $2000.

Mechanically I don't know my options. Can you just use any condenser/compressor with the aftermarket set up I have already?

Thanks guys.

[birdo]

A complete replacement kit runs about $1000 in parts.
An aftermarket compressor is less than $300 and a condenser around $200.
I think you should shop around if it really is that important to you. A Dealer is going to likely be your most expensive option.
Go get a second opinion from a place that specializes in auto air-conditioning or a good 4x4 shop.

Have a poke around here:
http://www.jeepair.com

[Slewfoot]

Why are they saying you'd only have to pay half the bill?  Who is paying the other half?  and Why?

[samm]

Why are they saying you'd only have to pay half the bill?  Who is paying the other half?  and Why?

The dealer is paying the other half. They sold us a jeep with a broken AC unit when they advertised it came with AC.

[Vinman]

If you just bought it and it wasn't working, you should push to have them pay the whole bill.
Assuming you didn't buy it as-is

[JackstandJohnny]

i've got an AC compressor you can have for dirt cheap if it will help......

off a 96 ZJ

[samm]

i've got an AC compressor you can have for dirt cheap if it will help......

off a 96 ZJ

Do you know if you can hook up just any parts to an AC unit?
I am all about just finding cheap parts and throwing those in, just not sure if it all hooks up the same?

[binare]

If you just bought it and it wasn't working, you should push to have them pay the whole bill.
Assuming you didn't buy it as-is

Don't dismiss this, its damn good advice, personally I'd take the damn thing back if they offered to pay for HALF of a feature they sold me on.