Newbie Question - 2002 Toyota Camry Front Struts

[Missy1984]

Hello folks thank you for reading this.

I'm a noob when it comes to car repairs and need your advise on this. I have a 2002 Toyota Camry 4-cylinder LE (around 90,000 miles). For past few months I have been hearing noise from the front right tire area whenever my car went over potholes, ditches, bumps etc. After getting it checked at 2-3 places I was told the front struts need to be replaced.

They don't know yet if the strut mounts also need replacement (they will know when they open it). Anyway, I was given an estimate of $250 for front right struts and mounts (labor and parts). I was also told I would need an alignment done afterwards (around $55).

The repair shops also told that it is important that struts on both sides be changed and that usually struts are not changed only on one side.

My questions are:

1) The blue book value of my car is around $7500, so to be spending close to 10% of that (for both front side struts) seems painful, not to mention that I'm on a tight budget. Is it ok if I just change the front right side for now? Any major issues with this?

2) Does the estimate of $250 for front right struts and mounts (labor and parts) seem reasonable? Should I get more quotes? (I got two more, which were higher).

3) Is an alignment necessary? Any major issues if this is not done?

FYI - The usage of my car is minimal, about 200-250 miles a month, and not more than 3000 miles a year (mainly city driving).

Thanks again for your help with this.

-- Missy