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Is it possible to fit air-con supplied by thrid party specialist firms ? If so I would be interested to learn of anyones experience, not least the cost.
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It is possible if you can get someone to supply a kit. But bear in mind the kits aren't usually complete, meaning that they quite often require some hoses to be made, and various wiring bits and pieces. Plus they don't come with instructions. When you're trying to work out the wiring, have half the dash off trying to get to the heater box, you may well wish you had paid someone else to do it, especially as you will have to get someone else to charge it. If anything doesn't work at this point, then you may have to recover the gas etc. etc.
Depending on your vehicle, cost is usually around £1000 - £1500 +VAT fitted. I don't do these anymore as it was all getting too complicated, and I'm in the business! but take a look at www.readerair.co.uk as they do this all the time.
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You don't say what car it is, but sometimes a non-franchised specialist can do it at a sensible price - unfortunately, probably means using second hand bits (e.g. I was quoted c.£550 to retrofit to a Saab 9000 of 1991 vintage in 1996). Not sure if this helps, but it might be worth checking out.
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I've just had aircon retro-fitted to my 3yo MR2. What I discovered is it pays to shop around!
The kit fitted was genuine Toyota and main dealer quotes I had varied between £1,300 down to £802 all inclusive. This was basically for the same kit, so why the difference I'll never know, but I'm very glad I spent an hour or so on the phone first!
If your car is also a Toyota then head straight to Fish Brothers Toyota in Swindon. They did me proud, and were extremely attentive and professional to boot. A good garage candidate in the making!
One other point to consider is if you fit a 3rd party kit it may well invalidate a dealer / manufacturer warranty.
Overall I'm glad I got the work done. I felt it was very reasonable, plus the car is a lot more comfortable to use now the weather is warmer.
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