Mazda 3 rebuilt AC Compressor on eBay. Worth it?

[TheAnswer_03]

Whenever I turn the AC or defrost on, I get this grinding sound that sometimes goes away and sometimes sticks around. I think the AC Compressor is going out. My dealer told me a new AC compressor is $700. I saw this rebuilt one on eBay for $185 + $62 shipping US http://www.ebay.ca/itm/REBUILT-MAZDA-3-A-C-COMPRESSOR-03-04-05-06-07-08-09-/161100038744?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item25824f8258&vxp=mtr

Is it worth buying and bringing it into the dealer for replacement or buying new from the dealer as a safe bet? The Seller is from the US so sending it back if any problems would be a pain.

[Johns 08 3 GT]

You get what you pay for. But the Red flag to me is it says for auto only. It's the same part for stick or auto.

[SonicBoy]

Why not try a local recycler in Ontario first?

Standard, Dom's or Carcone's should carry what you need and I believe if there are any issues, they offer some kind of replacement.

At the dealership, was that at a TM3 sponsor shop with the discount? That price seems on the high side.

[zeke]

How about this one from Kijij? http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-auto-parts-tires-other-parts-accessories-2004-2005-Mazda3-A-C-Compressor-BRAND-NEW-W0QQAdIdZ513219848 . Brand new for $350 with 1 year warranty from orignial seller.


Whenever I turn the AC or defrost on, I get this grinding sound that sometimes goes away and sometimes sticks around. I think the AC Compressor is going out. My dealer told me a new AC compressor is $700. I saw this rebuilt one on eBay for $185 + $62 shipping US http://www.ebay.ca/itm/REBUILT-MAZDA-3-A-C-COMPRESSOR-03-04-05-06-07-08-09-/161100038744?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item25824f8258&vxp=mtr

Is it worth buying and bringing it into the dealer for replacement or buying new from the dealer as a safe bet? The Seller is from the US so sending it back if any problems would be a pain.

[TheAnswer_03]

You get what you pay for. But the Red flag to me is it says for auto only. It's the same part for stick or auto.

yeah, it would be risky :(


Why not try a local recycler in Ontario first?

Standard, Dom's or Carcone's should carry what you need and I believe if there are any issues, they offer some kind of replacement.

At the dealership, was that at a TM3 sponsor shop with the discount? That price seems on the high side.

Never heard of those places. I live near the Ottawa area.


How about this one from Kijij? http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-auto-parts-tires-other-parts-accessories-2004-2005-Mazda3-A-C-Compressor-BRAND-NEW-W0QQAdIdZ513219848 . Brand new for $350 with 1 year warranty from orignial seller.

That's for a 2004-2005 Mazda 3. I have a 2007, but I don't know if the parts would be compatible or not.

[gabbygenier]

Never heard of those places. I live near the Ottawa area.

If you join OMC (ottawa mazda club). we have 2 sponsors that are dealerships. also, we have scrapyards around ottawa. sonshine auto is a good one. we got a compressor w/clutch for mazdabetty and she has had no issues with it.

[bubba1983]

My trade cost in a reman is in the 600 range, theyrr pricey
Remove the belt, be done with it...thats what i did

[Como]

The only difference between the different years is the connector they use for the one wire on the compressor. I have an '05 and got a used compressor off an '08 mazda 5. I just soldered the wire before the plug.
They're all just one wire. 2 different style different connectors

[Dave_The_BMXER]

^ What he said.

[JrCanuck]

If you don't want your AC, grab something sharp and cut the belt on the compressor - I smashed mine off the ground and the plate burnt part of the belt; However the main issue with our compressors is that its got a synchro type mechanism and they don't like to full engage. Its terribly loud.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I don't have a plate anymore lol