I've been told I have to get an all new system? I only paid $200.00 for the car and do not have any money for something that expensive? Please say it isn't so.

you should be able to unless the the AC unit is leaking then there is no use to fill it....Just use your windows and save up the money...unless you know someone that works on cars and can do AC units than it would be cheeper just to buy it and have them install it.