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[Pardus]

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[darkswordsman17]

Sounds like you're getting taken. Go somewhere else. The price for the whole deal doesn't sound that bad (surprised parts weren't $250 and labor $400 though). If he gets pissed at you wanting to check around then I'd say screw him just over that. Also his explanation is stupid as effectively they are broken as the fix is to replace them. Quick Google says "leaking struts" is a common tactic for shops to drum up some business too. Take it somewhere else, hell you could probably check if they were leaking yourself. They probably could use replacement or will need to be sometime fairly soon (were they ever before? I think struts are like ~50,000 miles although they often can last longer or might need replaced sooner).

The problem isn't "American" (you do realize some of the cars you list are made in America, right?) in general. It seems to be either a mechanic knowing you don't know cars or well those Malibu's aren't great cars, although I wouldn't think they would need that much upkeep but lots of cars could use a decent amount of things fixed getting around 100,000 miles.

 

[T2urtle]

Quick struts run about $150-200 each side and are direct bolt in for the DIY guy. Simple work in most cases. Takes u about 2-3 hours. U don't need a spring compressor, just hand tools, most likely 1/2 drive stuff.

If a shop is doing it. Buy just the struts at $40-60 each and maybe the strut mount/bearings. 2-3 hours for labor.

So ur numbers sound average/right.

 

[2timer]

I don't think he's trying to rip you off, but I do think he's charging you a premium price for the job. $400 for parts is pretty high, and if it's a complete strut/spring/mount kit, it shouldn't take an experienced mechanic more than 30 minutes a side, because it's a bolt-on job.

You're probably going to end up paying $400 any way you approach it. I'd stay away from guys who either charge too much or too little. And sorry everything is breaking all at once, I've had that happen to me, too.

*Edit* I didn't notice your last question, but yeah, leaking struts is kind of like bad shims on brakes, it's not something that's imperative you fix. If your shocks are making noises or bottoming out, that's a whole different issue.

 

[Pardus]

The problem isn't "American" (you do realize some of the cars you list are made in America, right?)

Have owned ford, chevy, buick, dodge, gmc and jeep, can honestly say they all had major issues 2-3 years of ownership. On the other hand, a friend of mine has a Hyundai Elantra with 190,000 miles on it, he has only done basic maintenance work on it --spark plugs, brake pads, fluids, filters, tires, wipers, bulbs and not much else, when i tell him whats wrong with my car this month, his response is chevy sucks. Thanks all for the advice.

 

[phucheneh]

'Leaking' is a pretty common ruse. Yeah, at ~100k it could probably use struts. But the number of struts I've actually seen with oil leaking down the exterior versus the number of people that get TOLD they're leaking...those figures don't exactly seem to agree with one another.

And I'm generally suspicious when a shop recommends one single easy repair on a car that PROBABLY needs more. Don't be mad at domestics, be mad at Chevrolet for making an awful car.

You should look at the struts yourself, though. If I were going to look at it, I think I'd be willing to put a 20-spot (hey 20 bucks is a lot for me) on it 1) not having any visible issue with the struts and 2) me finding a problem or two that's probably of more concern than your struts.

If they're not leaking, get proof and try and ensure that shop isn't allowed to do inspections anymore. And prosecuted, if possible. Fuck liars. Not showing you your issue + incredulousness = usually a liar.

 

[leper84]

How bad are the struts leaking?

Little bit of moisture on them? Keep it in mind but no big deal- preventative maintenance

Oh my god you compressed the strut (lowered it back down a lift) and fluid is gushing the f*ck out like a water hose- do it pretty soon.

 

[T2urtle]

I just saw my first leaking strut. 98 maxima with 135k. My brothers car, it blew up.... We found some quick struts for the rear @ 65-$75 each shipped from rock auto.

 

[CraigRT]

You can drive that car for 1 million miles on blown struts if you choose.
If you can live with a harsh ride, leave them alone.

 

[vshah]

blown struts can seize which can be quite dangerous.

 

[Pardus]

had someone else look at it, the front struts are leaking, but very slowly, this mechanic said they don't need replacing right away. so i am going to wait and see.

 

[tonyfreak215]

Has the ride been compromised?

For the most part blown shocks aren't a problem.

The prices listed are on the high side, although not a complete ripoff. Although I wouldn't go to him for the repairs. Sounds like he has an ego.