Cost of replacing front struts on a 94?

[ncsu95]

My question is what is a reasonable cost for having the two front struts and mounts replaced on a 94 Corolla DX?

Here is some info:

I took the car to NTB because of the noise coming from the front passenger's side. They told that the strut is shot and that I would need to replace the strut mount as well. So here is my quote from them:

2 struts - Parts: $334 Labor: $280 - No brand quoted.
2 strut plates - Parts: $203 Labor: $0
Shop fee: $30

Total: $847

I then called Meineke and they quoted $460 using Gabriel parts. Toyota dealership quoted $908 using Delco parts.

Are any of the quotes realistic? Is Meineke too cheap? (Never thought I'd ask that!)Advance Auto has Monroe Sensatracs for $72 each. Is this a job for beginner's?

Thanks for the help

[retiredat44]

2 years ago I was quoted about $850 for all 4. Including parts and labor.
I did it myslef for $160.
this was on 1989 Totyoa Corolla SR5.
I bought the struts and Autozone.
I used their free tool loan spring compressor.
It took all day. You will need a good torque wrench/breaker bar.

BTW. Tools cost a fortune and for using them privately I buy cheap ones at BigLots ( http://biglots.com ) They are here in California.
I know some of you with money will frown about using cheap ones, but they work just fine and they are much cheaper than most places. I stil have some old tools I stil use that are 25 years old, but I have been replacing and adding over the years. They have lots of stuff. Not everything, but lots of stuff..
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Originally Posted by ncsu95

My question is what is a reasonable cost for having the two front struts and mounts replaced on a 94 Corolla DX?

Here is some info:

I took the car to NTB because of the noise coming from the front passenger's side. They told that the strut is shot and that I would need to replace the strut mount as well. So here is my quote from them:

2 struts - Parts: $334 Labor: $280 - No brand quoted.
2 strut plates - Parts: $203 Labor: $0
Shop fee: $30

Total: $847

I then called Meineke and they quoted $460 using Gabriel parts. Toyota dealership quoted $908 using Delco parts.

Are any of the quotes realistic? Is Meineke too cheap? (Never thought I'd ask that!)Advance Auto has Monroe Sensatracs for $72 each. Is this a job for beginner's?

Thanks for the help

[Sienna_Driver]

Originally Posted by ncsu95

2 struts - Parts: $334 Labor: $280 - No brand quoted.
2 strut plates - Parts: $203 Labor: $0
Shop fee: $30

Total: $847

What is the shop fee? Never heard that before.