My 13" MBP Retina display is busted - best/cheapest repair suggestions needed

hi - well, after two-plus years of happy mbp retina ownership, find myself display functioning poorly laptop literally impossible use unless hooked external monitor (which isn't feasible me 99% of time). i've been doing homework since went out , know whole samsung vs. lg display issue, general problems screens having strange hues, fuzzy lines, , ghosting.

reasonably sure own problem specific display part, since computer works if hooked monitor via hdmi port (and none of laptop screen issues mirrored onto it). have first-gen 13" mbr retina debuted in mid-late 2012, , gather copious posts online both , 15" big brother pre-2013 models infamous having various display problems.

although searched threads on specific topic, didn't find any. mac didn't sustain sudden fall or damage; screen started going on fritz week ago, , got worse , worse days passed. (i have, admittedly, had handful of *minor* mishaps on past couple of years, nothing dented or *scratched* housing, nor caused immediate problems.) i've never spilled on keyboard, nor did ever have issues missing pixels, mysterious overheating, inability power on or off, or issues whatsoever keyboard, memory or ssd.

also, seems many folks have problems beyond display itself, e.g. motherboards , graphics cards. (afaik, mine fine, judging lack of problems when laptop plugged monitor.) it's not software issue, initial thought seeing problems began shortly after upgraded yosemite; every diagnostic i've run has come out clean.

- sounds i'm left 3 options, though please correct me if i'm missing something:

1. take local mac specialist. given previous experience apple stores suggested far priciest repair option -- though admittedly based assumption on $250 repair estimate broken iphone screen paid $100 fix -- visited indie mac repair shop today. quoted me $650 (!!!!) replace screen , housing, gather inseparable. considering can purchase new 13" macbook air $300 more that, factoring in student discount, found price shocking, least.

2. find identical model being sold parts, functional screen/housing. should look, assuming go in direction? on ebay saw while searching copious sketchy displays sourced china, know terrible knockoffs. (rather "conveniently," can take on month them arrive, believe nullifies ebay's buyer protection insurance.) appeared lack rear aluminum housings. searches of various used mac parts websites yielded no fruit. dare try craigslist??

3. apple store. said, assumed expensive option, started reading posts "depot flat rate repairs." such rumors true? can drop off macbook @ apple store them send in "depot"? how *is* "flat rate," considering have retina screen? less $650 quoted indie shop? *much* less?? (i read in 1 online comment 11" , 13" macbooks charged same rate service, think may have predated launch of 13" retina.) fix *other* stuff well, including problems i'm not yet aware of? how long take complete repair?

, insight appreciated!!

 

i've heard of flat rate repairs , sounds best way go...but i'm applies older laptops people don't want shell out wads of money repair. don't know criteria flat rate repair doubt 2012 machine qualify...i hope i'm wrong though xd.

wouldn't suggest getting machine parts off of ebay or other such services. several reasons. a) can't sure of quality of receiving you'll , how act after installed on machine. b) if exchange parts goes horribly wrong out of money invested in it... can't easy switch housings on rmbp's.

there may other avenues can explore...i.e i've read posts on forum of people had macbooks covered renters insurance

 

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