Costco has a Porter Cable 17 gallon oiless compressor on sale for $249.99

http://www.deltaportercable.co...11523

It also comes with a 25" air hose and 1/2 impact wrench and a 12 piece socket set. For the price though I'm guessing these aren't of great quality.

Anyway, I'm looking to do mechanical work at home (wheels, axel nut, engine mount, tranny, suspension) and I'm wondering if this will do the job. I don't mind it recharging, but obviously not to the extent where it gets annoying.

Also, anything better in the market for around $250?

 

Porter cable is a good company, the tools are probably pretty decent also, for $250 thats a good deal.

id also check out sears they have some good priced craftsman compressors

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1...ators

i have a craftsman compressor and ive used it to take off crank pulley bolts, all sorts of suspension work with it with no problems

 

Id suggest getting a larger compressor if funds permit...
Its nice to not have the compressor pump constantly turning on to keep sufficient pressure.
I bought a 30 gallon craftsman one and im very happy with it. I would only trade it in on something with more capacity.
Airtools can demand alot of air to keep them going, so I think its better to go too big than to go too small.

Search pawn shops and craigslist for good deals on airtools.