Honda: Air Conditioning, metal particles, honda parts

Question
I'm interested in purchasing a used Honda.  The only thing is that the a/c is broken.  I'm not sure what is wrong, but the owners had to disconnect it because it would start smoking or something.  How much would you think it would cost to have it repaired for a good deal.  What things may be wrong with it.  Sorry if I don't have enough information about the symptoms.  What would it take to repair/replace the whole thing?

99 Honda Accord LX

Thank You

Answer
    Sulinn,If something was smoking it was probably the compressor siezing up(the most expensive part of course)If you decide to buy this car and I'm right about the compressor it will also need a reciever dryer,expansion valve and a good flushing of the lines to get all the metal particles that the expiring compressor sent through the system.Cost?  about $800 if you buy honda parts(which I strongly recommend)and about 4-5 hrs labor.Replacement of the whole system is not neccesary and would be far too expensive anyway.   Ray