They can be risky; especially if it carries the name 4 Seasons, Factory Air, or Murray. There might be other suspect names as well. I used a few of those (remanufactured, not new) over the years and had front seal leaks. For a few of these, I was able to get a free replacement under the Warranty. In your case, you could be taking a chance. Being a new unit, they might be a little better. I suspect they will be made in China, but there's not much you can do about that if you are going for the lowest cost.

Other than that, it is difficult to give you advice. Be sure the system is vacuumed down and if there is evidence that the old compressor failed with internal destruction, be sure to have the system flushed and blown out.

Let me just add that I replaced the compressor on my 91 Spirit in 2012 with a (roughly) $100+ compressor that I got from Advance Auto Parts (their Drive Works brand). This price was with a $40 off online coupon which is often available online. So far the unit works and hasn't given me a problem. It came with a full charge of PAG oil. It came with the wrong mating plug, so I had to cut off the old one and solder it on the new one (after I cut the new plug off). I did have to return the core which would be a killer (probably) in your case.

It's possible that you will make out OK, but just be aware of the potential for failure.

 

As John says, If the brand is either Four Seasons (we call it Four Seizens), or Factory Air, it's junk and I would not touch it. I've had serious quality issues with both - loose body fasteners, pinholes in a condenser painted over with thick, gunky paint. It's throwing money away to go with them.

 

Those Horror Brands are for remanufactured units, right? I wish I had the money for a brand name unit, or better yet enough money for a newer car. No air conditioning at 95 degrees and 85% humidity is a bit tough on an old person.

 

We put an Advance one on a 91 Silverado and it lasted less than a year. They replaced it under warranty, no hassle, but don't have the replacement running yet because we replaced the condenser after the first replacement came apart and haven't found the new leak yet

 

I have installed a used compressor on my own Neon before.
If the refrigerant oil is still clean and the system not open too long, the compressor should still be good.