Heat pump outdoor unit tripping the breaker

My heat pump that serves the second floor stopped working. I discovered that the breaker trips every time the outdoor unit tries to start.

The outdoor unit is a 2-ton Trane XL20i heat pump, manufactured in August 2011, and it uses R-410A refrigerant.

I spoke with a reputable HVAC contractor over the phone. Unfortunately, he doesn’t service my area, but based on my description, he believes the compressor has likely failed and recommends replacing the entire system rather than repairing it.

He mentioned that a bad capacitor typically wouldn’t trip the breaker, so he suspects the compressor itself is faulty. He also said I should expect to pay around $10,000 or more to replace the system.

I understand that I need to get a few quotes before making a decision.

Our house is 28 years old, and we plan to stay here for another 5 to 6 years, so we’re not looking for the most expensive replacement. I also suspect the ductwork may need to be updated to meet current standards.

What are my options? Which HVAC brands would you recommend, and what price range should I realistically expect for a quality replacement?