At around $500 just for the condenser, plus the other parts required plus charging and labor, unless you can find a good one in a wreck for cheap, I don't think you'll be saving much. Or you can only drive yours in the winter like I do mine. Anyway,

:welcome: to the forum. Next time maybe we can be of more help.

BTW, if you hire the job done, then they are responsible for it to be done correctly. That's worth something.

 

At around $500 just for the condenser, plus the other parts required plus charging and labor, unless you can find a good one in a wreck for cheap, I don't think you'll be saving much. Or you can only drive yours in the winter like I do mine. Anyway,

:welcome: to the forum. Next time maybe we can be of more help.

BTW, if you hire the job done, then they are responsible for it to be done correctly. That's worth something.

I agree with Glake on this one. That's a good deal if the part is $500. I think you need the condenser even in the winter to dry the air for the defogger.

 

Rock auto has it for $218. That's an AC Delco part.

 

You can get it for $80 online, easy swap.

You may not be getting overcharged depending on the dealer price for the part.

 

As pointed out www.rockauto.com is a good online source. In addition to the actual condenser you should change the receiver-dryer and probably add oil. Some of the rockauto units include the receiver-dryer. I say add oil because the old receiver-dryer has a desiccant bag that holds much of the oil so it needs to be replaced.
Maybe someone can chime in whether the system should be flushed as a precaution. And finally evacuated and recharge. The dealer's $800, while not a smokin' deal, may not be out of line.... plus you'd have some warranty. If you feel uncomfortable get some estimates from other shops.
But yes you can save money by buying the parts and installing them. You'll have to find a shop to evaculate and recharge the system.... or buy the tools needed. You won't have any warranty.

(Follow up note..... your 06 may not have a receiver-dryer. I didn't research it. My 07 appears to use a TXV instead of a cycling clutch thus no receiver-dryer is needed)

 

IMO, the only way to save any money is to replace the part yourself and then take the car to a shop where the AC system can be properly evacuated and recharged. You cannot do that part without the proper equipment.

 

I agree.

Refrigerant is extremely hydroscopic which means that every system, whether it uses a metering orifice or a thermal expansion valve, needs a receiver/dryer to remove the moisture. A compete evacuation of the system of the old refrigerant and air prior to recharging is a necessity. The addition of the right amount of the proper refrigerant oil is vital.

While many DIY’s can replace the parts, most do not have the equipment and knowledge necessary to do the evacuation and recharge.

Bill