Hi,

My 56 prestigio 150 is in the garage today and the air con comressor is gone. They have quoted around £600 fitted for a replacement, or they said they could take it out and see if they can replace just the clutch on the unit, but wouldn't be able to tell if it was that until they'd done the labour to get it out (obviously!).

I don't think this garage are in the habit of overcharging, as last year they did both rear springs and brake disc and pad replacement for £230, so I'm sure that the price they quote is fair. However, does anyone know if the unit is the same as the Vectra/Signum or Saab one? If it is it will somewhat widen my search on ebay or breakers yards.

Thanks for any help...

I don't know about the compressor, but the fan, pollen filter and condenser definitely are, as I've replaced mine with Vauxhall equivalents. It's therefore very likely the entire air con system is Vauxhall.

Just take care of the variations and revisions to the Vectra - many parts were altered over its lifetime. There were two different condensers to choose from. You need a part no from the old unit or at least a photo - ideally have it sitting next to you while looking at photos on ebay etc.

Thanks for the heads-up on the variations front. I found a Croma compressor being broken from a wreck. Before I made the purchase the garage called to tell me that they seem to have fixed the old one, although they weren't sure what the problem was. They suspected a build up of rust was causing it to stick, which they have cleared. All is now working fine.

So, that saved me a few quid and another Croma soldiers on. I think I may be one of the few people to have had nothing major replaced. Springs, brake pads, tyres and lamps are all that has failed on my car. The Stilo I had peviously was a whole different story though!

samhudd said:

Thanks for the heads-up on the variations front. I found a Croma compressor being broken from a wreck. Before I made the purchase the garage called to tell me that they seem to have fixed the old one, although they weren't sure what the problem was. They suspected a build up of rust was causing it to stick, which they have cleared. All is now working fine.

So, that saved me a few quid and another Croma soldiers on. I think I may be one of the few people to have had nothing major replaced. Springs, brake pads, tyres and lamps are all that has failed on my car. The Stilo I had peviously was a whole different story though!

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As from my post, if you cannot get one, then mine will be available if it is deemed as Cat B or C, at moment an A. But husband would like to buy the wheels back as salavge if I get another Croma.

Each variant has a different compressor. Available from Germany for around £270 delivered. So I have to wonder where the other £230 has been arrived at.

Just for info the Compressor for the Croma is one of the most expensive on the market. You can get one for an e-Class Merc for half the price. Why is that not hard to believe?

samhudd said:

I think I may be one of the few people to have had nothing major replaced. Springs, brake pads, tyres and lamps are all that has failed on my car. The Stilo I had peviously was a whole different story though!

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Well you can't have had it long then!

You might regret saying that...

Blimey, I'll have put the kiss of death on it now! 2 years and 1 month. I guess I've just been lucky... So far!

It only went in for what sounded like the front brake disc binding. Turned out it was just a dirt guard rubbing. It was almost a pleasure handing over the 35 notes!

samhudd said:

Blimey, I'll have put the kiss of death on it now! 2 years and 1 month. I guess I've just been lucky... So far!

It only went in for what sounded like the front brake disc binding. Turned out it was just a dirt guard rubbing. It was almost a pleasure handing over the 35 notes!

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Should have searched the forum and saved the £35! You can sort this one lying on the ground, without even any tools, although a lever of some sort can be useful.