Nissan Repair: Nissan Primera 99V Air Conditioning, nited states, nissan dealer

Question
Air-con / Climate stopped working.  Had it recharged by Nissan Dealer. Worked on the day it was done then no more cold air. Took it back to dealer who recharged it again and put a dye through system to see where leak was. Told I need a new Condenser at a cost of approx £800 (presumably fitted inc VAT). To be fair, they recommended I didn't spend the money and just wound the window down because of the age of the car. Questions are, what does the Condenser look like, where is it situated in the engine bay, would it be easy for an amateur mechanic like me to replace it, and where could I find one cheaper ?

Answer
Iain,

The condenser is in front of the radiator.  If there is a leak you could source a shop that performed silver solder and save the money for the condensor.  Also, you could look on-line and find one for much less than the price quoted.  A speciality shop that does airconditioning could do this job for you.  Also, I would point out to them the fact that they charged you to correct a system that was compromised and they did not take the time to discover that it had a leak so you should be refunded the difference if they did the replacement condensor.  The car is only ten years old and it is worth the cost to repair the system.  You could replace the condensor yourself or remove it and have a shop solder the leak if possible or replace it yourself and then get the system serviced.  rockauto.com or courtesyparts. com are the two sources I use in the states.  I do not know about the UK.  Also, I have had great luck with 1-800-radiator in the U&nited States.  I sourced a condensor for just over $100 bucks for a 1999 Chevrolet truck.  You might check with them and see what import fee and VAT would cost...