Thinking about installing AC system

[SnowYaris]

I'm looking to take on an ambitious project to install air conditioning in my 2011 Yaris. I regret buying it without AC and now I'm looking to add it. I have searched high and low but it seems that my best resource for all of what I need is from the dealership. I can pick up all the components and electronics required to add this in for roughly $1,140. My background is mechanical and electrical engineering so I have a strong understanding of a refrigeration system and electronics. Has anyone here done this before and have tips to offer? My biggest challenge will probably be installing the evaporator core because its tucked deep in the dash. I like challenges but the dealership will install and warranty everything for an additional $500. I'm reaching out, any advice?

[Altitude]

For $500 I'd let the dealer do it. I don't know of anyone in these forums that have done this.

[fnkngrv]

Scott would be your best resource. He is an electrical engineer by trade as well and has completely dismantled a LB in the last several weeks. He can give you a no BS assessment of your en devours. CTScott.

[CTScott]

$500 is reasonable labor for that job considering that the dash has to come off and everything under it has to as well to get the AC box out to install the evaporator.

I can actually save you a bunch of money on some of the parts, as I have the condenser, AC ECU, AC Control panel, evaporator, and probably a few more of the parts that I am not thinking of at the moment available.

[WeeYari]

Yeah, Scott's parts + dealer install.

I'm very surprised at what I view as a seemingly reasonable price of $1140 for parts. This given that Toyota Canada will charge $800+ for a new alternator.

[CTScott]

Yeah, Scott's parts + dealer install.

I'm very surprised at what I view as a seemingly reasonable price of $1140 for parts. This given that Toyota Canada will charge $800+ for a new alternator.

He is definitely adding up used parts to total $1140. The dealer price for the compressor alone is over $1500.

[SnowYaris]

There are no used parts. Toyota Canada gave me this quote for the kit.

[CTScott]

Wow! That's actually a great deal then.

[IllusionX]

1620$+tax seems to be the right price. Dealer installed option was 1500$ + tax when you purchase the car, and 100$ AC tax.

[mazilla]

For 1600 I'd let the dealer knock it out, that way if you have any issues you can blame it all on them.

[edmscan]

I always get the dealer to handle my automotive needs. It is just easier .. in particular because I know that they know what they are doing and I don't have to worry about it.

Hope you get your AC. Myself .. I have only used my AC once. So .. it isn't something I use.

[Flamethrower]

Did you ever get this installed? If so how dido it end up working out?

[jra]

I think I would just roll my windows down, or apply that cost toward a newer model that has air. If you do this I think it would be better to have dealer do it, unless you have a vacuum pump and and the tools needed to do the job, but would your Yaris be worth
$1640 dollars more with air than it is now?

[Garth g.]

I got a.c. installed when I had my car the first summer.It was $1600,I really like the car so to me it was worth it.I use it a lot in the summer working long shifts. All dealership parts at that price seems decent.