nthach, how did the prices at Rock Auto.com look?
What type of vehicle is the compressor for?
I prefer OEM brand if available and in budget. I know sometimes OEM is just re-branded generic, but usually the fit and warranty is better.
From the little research I did online about the subject, it seemed 50/50 either favoring or discouraging re-built/re-man compressors. Most were against Four Seasons and GDP (Global) Many mentioned the re-man had seal issues or something about the tolerances were not as good, causing leaks down the road.
I just had A/C work done on my 2000 Silverado. Picked it up yesterday. A co-worker of mine does legitimate automotive A/C work as a side business.
I bought a new compressor (AC Delco branded Denso), accumulator/dryer, orifice tube and condenser for about $325 with s&h. I only had to pay him for labor.
I paid a few dollars more and bought AC Delco parts that were all new and not re-man (the condenser was Denso brand and also new). I picked them up from Rock Auto. I could have saved a few dollars an bought from Amazon, but I have made that mistake before when receiving what I thought were re-packaged or fake parts.
The same AC Delco compressor (denso) with same part number was $524 from the dealer.
I learned that many Compressors have warranties that stipulate the accumulator/dryer, orifice tube and sometimes also the condenser must all be switched out at the same time as the compressor for the warranty to be honored.
Good Luck