£500 for a new compressor if it ever does go. Cars with Climate control tend to have better reliability as the compressor is 'always on'. Manual air con normally works on a clutch type system which wears over time. You can normally differentiate the two as clutch systems have a noticeable change in sound when air con is engaged and the compressor starts. You should not hear a 'always on' compressor engage at all. 

Seeing as my other reply is on the other thread here it is

 

I have mine on auto all the time and don't have an issue with the fan speeds. I normally stick the recirculation on when I first get in so that it cools the air quicker as its cooling something that is already cooled slightly (hope that makes sense)

 

I trashed my old Civic's A/C by not using it so auto works a treat, always on and makes no difference to my power or fuel consumption. 

 

And no I couldn't live without it, I am a hot person and it is bad enough I don't have A/C in my office :(