95 Camry Strut Replacement?

[JamesfromDFW]

It's time for me to replace these things and I'm looking to take it into the shop to get both front struts replaced, however i've read on the forum that people use different brands to their liking. Where would be a good place to go and so far I've been quoted anywhere from $500 to $600 to replace both and a front-end alignment. I drive on roads with a lot of curves and a lot of bad roads in need of repairs.

TIA
James from DFW

[BMR]

The $500-$600 quote includes the parts?... If yes, what, exactly? If it includes everything, that's not too bad. Everything = struts, upper mounts, bearings, and lower & upper spring insulators. You'll get all sorts of opinions on brands to use. I put KYB GR2's on my Avalon a while back, and like them alot. Close to stock ride quality.

As for where to go, my only advice is where not to go. And that would be dealerships & chain stores like Midas, Firestone & such. Go to a locally owned & operated shop. Less overhead = better prices.

[strausbo]

I have a 1995 Camry that also needs front struts. I plan to do the job myself. I found that I can buy the Monroe Quik Struts on Amazon.com for $149 each. These are complete assemblies ready to go on the car. It should take no more than possibly an hour to change out one with the biggest problem being loosening the lower bolts. I have an impact that is capable of loosening these bolts so that will not be a problem for me. So....if you can't or are not capable.....maybe you know someone that is mechanically inclined enough to change out the struts for you? A front end alignment in my area is about $55 plus the $300 for two new Monroe Quik struts......you could save yourself some money going this route. I have heard outrageous prices from people that have had their struts changed and beleive this is probably your least expensive way to go. Good luck and post back with what you end up doing

[JamesfromDFW]

Originally Posted by BMR

The $500-$600 quote includes the parts?... If yes, what, exactly? If it includes everything, that's not too bad. Everything = struts, upper mounts, bearings, and lower & upper spring insulators. You'll get all sorts of opinions on brands to use. I put KYB GR2's on my Avalon a while back, and like them alot. Close to stock ride quality.

As for where to go, my only advice is where not to go. And that would be dealerships & chain stores like Midas, Firestone & such. Go to a locally owned & operated shop. Less overhead = better prices.

$500 prices were at Pep Boys and Meineke

[BMR]

Originally Posted by JamesfromDFW

$500 prices were at Pep Boys and Meineke

So I'm guessing that price included parts, but what parts? If it's everything I mentioned, or quickstruts like strausbo mentioned, that's not a bad price. The quickstruts for $300 leaves $200 for installation and alignment... Not bad. If they're replacing just the struts, those are about $150/pair, and they're charging $350 for labor & alignment. That's high.