Need Advice: Evaporator Cord Leak
 

I have a 1999 XC70 with 112,000 miles.
I just learned that the evaporator cord is leaking Freon and received a $1000 estimate to repair. My mechanic (not a dealer) suggested I do not invest in the car to fix the leak. I also was advised by my mechanic and an A/C specialist not to drive with the fan on (air, heat, air circ, etc.) until the leak is fixed due to fumes.
The car is otherwise fine ... will need new tires before winter and the ETS light flashes on every so often.
So ... would you repair?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

You have to remove the entire dash (and the steering wheel - torx screws) to replace the evaporator. Here are the instructions for a Volvo 850: Volvo 850 / V70 / S70 series evaporator repair & replacement
S70 and V70 are close but the dash is slightly different (it's a free book). Takes about twelve hours so this is very labor intensive. This was very common problem with the 850's I guess the Series 70 cars are now having it also. If you can do it yourself or get some one to do it for less then $1000 I think it is worth it.

I was told that the repair is not difficult, it is where the evaporator is located, which makes the repair incredibly labor intensive. Thank you very much for your feedback.