A/C compressor replacement help

last year my a/c stopped working at the end of the summer so i chose to ignore it until this summer. I did not anticipate being unemployed for 4 months before this summer and have not been able to have it repaired. I have looked at several reman A/C compressors for my Integra and find that $225 is the lowest price available. Is it best to buy a new vs. reman? When I do buy, I would like to know what else is needed to complete the job b/c I have been told different things by 3 different mechanics. how will I know who's trying to dupe me? HELP!! :rolleyes:

If just the compressor is bad then just get a new compressor. You might want to get the high and low side O-rings if it doesn't come with them and some pag oil as well. If you intend on replacing it yourself, do so only if the system is empty. If it's charged you'll have to take it a shop to have it emptied, then when you're done you'll need to take it back and have the system vacuumed and charged again.