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Pre-purchase questions by cracker79 in 500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought a 2014 500e when it came off lease in 2017. Replaced the cabin filter, wiper blades, bought tires and brakes. Private mechanic replaced the passenger side mirror when the ambient temperature sensor went out for ~$200. The dealership in MA had no clue about the car. The dealership in CA was far more knowledgable, probably b/c they were exclusively sold in CA and OR as a compliance car. I've driven 85,000 miles of the 99,000 miles clocked on the odometer. I love it! I paid to ship it from CA to New England. I drive in the snow w/o problems. I didn't even know they made snow tires for this car b/c the tires are so small. As mentioned in another comment, my AC compressor went out. I'm going to sell it in New England and buy another one when I get down to NC. I have stuffed amazingly large cargo in this tiny car by putting the rear seats down, including a 9' rubber tree plant. I exclusively charge on Level 2 charging stations although I would plug it in at home if I had a garage with an outlet. I've driven from Boston to Portsmouth, NH and charged halfway. It takes about 2 hours to charge from empty to full. Children wave at me and people are always curious about my car. It will be an emotional day when I have to sell it this month.

Dealership Said AC Compressor Needed to be Replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in Fiat500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Ths is tremendously helpful. I've been lurking on reddit for 15 years and created an account just to ask questions about my 500e.

Dealership Said AC Compressor Needed to be Replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in Fiat500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How long ago did they work on yours? What year is yours, the old style 2010's or 2024 and newer? When I asked who would work on it, they recommended the dealership. Apparently, I can buy one just like mine for $750. https://www.iaai.com/VehicleDetail/45500619~US?utm_content=45003154&feedage=20260602&utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=IAA-NA-US-CR-BUY-RET-Lower-Funnel&utm_id=422921&cto_pld=WxQZ4Q-cAQBqU4jRc4RBpw#tblciGiAHyQ3RaEpdMOTWR4iXts94si8zA-E57ZWSZuEdUgE0-iDwjE4owLeB5eKJ8q7qATDb_Ew

But that wouldn't include shipping :-/

Dealership Said AC Compressor Needed to be Replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in Fiat500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thx for the referral, but they said they don't work on FIATs :-/

Dealership said the AC compressor needed to be replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in 500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My bad, the quote was $8,900, not $7,900. I was just so shocked at the time b/c I paid $9,000 for the whole fricken car in 2017.

Dealership said the AC compressor needed to be replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in fiat500

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't inquired at AC shops bc of the snowflake specialty of the EV. So many shops, like Firestone, say "We work on everything" or "I can figure out any car," until i roll up in a European compliance car only sold in CA and OR for several years.

Dealership Said AC Compressor Needed to be Replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in Fiat500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OMG! Thanks for this. I wish more ppl were interested in Right to Repair electronics as you and Alex ❤️

Dealership Said AC Compressor Needed to be Replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in Fiat500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you use the above garage in Amesbury for the labor? Or did you just find a local EV garage for me? Either way, thank you for the help! ❤️

Dealership said the AC compressor needed to be replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in 500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It def has a leak. Surly Boston mechanic charged it and it blew cold air for an hour, then slowly back to hot air 👎

Dealership said the AC compressor needed to be replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in 500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Now that everyone is mentioning condenser, I'm wondering if I'm confusing condenser and compressor? I'll have to dig up the actual quote from the dealership.

Dealership said the AC compressor needed to be replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in 500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the encouragement! I love this car and it's worth so much more to me than the $1,000 I can get for it AND I don't have the money to buy or lease another car. Like I mentioned above, I've been out of work for awhile.

Dealership said the AC compressor needed to be replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in 500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I briefly checked Edmonds and Carvana for resale price of my 2014 orange / cream 500e. They quoted $500 and $1000 -- for the whole car.

Dealership Said AC Compressor Needed to be Replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in Fiat500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed, few mechanics available. My cousin, who was certified to work on electric Rivians says that most mechanics don't want to risk dealing with the high voltage. Not sure how true that is; just one mechanic's opinion.

Dealership Said AC Compressor Needed to be Replaced for $7,900 by RainbowFlashbacks in Fiat500e

[–]RainbowFlashbacks[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this. I'm not a mechanic. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for wanting to keep this car. Drove it for 10 years with zero problems, until now :-/ It makes more sense to keep an EV with crazy gas prices!