Hey folks. Unlike most of you I'm not a real hands-on car person. I love my 95 ES and I've put 175K on it. Want to keep it forever. Lately, if I leave the car at idle for 5 minutes or so or if I go on an extended trip (more than an hour or so), the AC doesn't function. The blower blows great at all speeds, but the air gets less and less cool and finally is like the temperature outside. Do I likely need an entirely new AC and, if so, how much $$ am I looking at?

Many thanks for ideas!

 

Most likely problem is not enough air flow over condensor. This can be because of a restricted radiador or cooling fan not operating fast enough or fan clutch defective. Generally shows up at idle and A/C works good at normal driving speed.
A/C components are OK. They either work or they don't and yours appears to be working.