[kdeezy]

I took my car in for Brake maintenance the other day. The mechanic told me I needed to replace my rear struts, and quoted me a price of $700 for parts and labor. First, is that a reasonable price? Second, is he just trying to get over on me? i have a 2000, 3.2 ES w/ 84000 miles. When have others replaced their struts, if at all? Are there any quick tests I can do to determine if my struts need to be replaced? My car doesn't bounce around too much, and my ride's pretty comfortable.

[01ReggiES]

Well the easiest way to tell how bad your struts are is through your tire wear. If your tire wear is even, then they are good to go. However, if the tire wear is patchy (looks new in some areas, worn in others) then it's time to replace them. $700 sounds a little high, I just got 4 brand new tires, new brakes and rotors for less than that.

[IntrepidBus IV]

I replaced all 4 of my springs AND struts last summer for $335 at 140k, but I did not contract out the work. I would say that price may be reasonable for all four struts at a shop!

[Fearless 2000]

This is like the 4 thread with struts within the last day. What are you guys doing? lol

[01Intrepid]

That sounds high, b/c i got my front struts replaced for half that!!!! Check around for more prices

[CluelessinMO]

I've heard that old saw that bad shocks (struts in newer cars) cause flat spotting on tires. Frankly, I think it's a load of bull. Can you explain how that could happen? If the tire is bouncing due to weak shocks, why would it always bounce in the same spots? The only way I know to get flat spots on a tire is to have alignment problems.

[Intrepidman21]

I gotta agree thats high as hell in my opinion. I too got my front's replaced for half the price you got quoted. lol sounds like a Midas price to me.

[Intrep_ED]

They might be tacking on an extra hour or two in labor for the fact that they have to pull out the back seat and rear deck to get to the top strut mounts?

IIRC, all 4 called for about 6-8 hours. It was like 3 in the front, and 4 or 5 in the rear. (thats mounting new springs on struts as well)

The quote you got is not really that bad IMO. You could probably get it done cheaper, but $700 is not that bad for PARTS and labor...Yes, it does sound like a Midas price. It's competatively higher at most of those type of places.

Shop around and check out some of the smaller shops. You could probably find somewhere that'll do it for 3 or 4 hundred.

[kdeezy]

Thanks for all the replies. The quote was from Merchant's Auto and Tire. I took the Trep past another shop with a really good reputation. The mechanic said the struts had normal wear and tear on them, but that they didn't need to be replaced. I've learned my lesson though. Stay away from the chain auto shops!

[mlkmgr]

i am glad you didn't get unnecessary repairs. my brother was asked to work for one of those chain shops. he inquired about pay and they told him he would work on commission. he declined the offer.
on another note, you could look at it like the shop with the good rep saved you $700. the next time you need an oil change or something you normally wouldn't do, take it to them and tell them why you are there. you could build a good relationship and never have to worry about being scammed/ripped off again. just a quick thought....