An evaporator coil is around $200 here.
http://catalog.worldpac.com/ibusines...2FC+Evaporator If you're handy you replace it. Not much harder than a radiator remove and replace. Make sure it's empty of coolant, possibly take it to a shop to pull it down. You replace and take it back tot the same place to purge and recharge.
Always replace the drier and same place has one for under $60
http://catalog.worldpac.com/ibusines...Receiver+Drier I'd say you could do it for under $600 with some time and effort.
That might make it more palatable.
RoyG
KC
Good luck on which ever route you go.