Shock and Struts Replacement... New Tires

[Blowtorch]

I recently got my front brakes, and rotors replaced on my 2009 Yaris, which is nearing 64,000 miles. This was done at a local repair shop, where everyone at my office insists is a reliable, honest place.

The mechanic said I need new struts and shocks, along with replacement of the front pins and re-alignment. If they did all the work, they'd do the alignment for free, and the total amount would be a ballpark estimate of $1100.

- Does that price seem reasonable fair? Would it be worth checking with my local Toyota dealer to see if they offer a better price?

- Are new struts and shocks absolutely necessary? I understand they help you brake better, but if I go without, am I absolutely killing my car?

- I want to replace my tires later this month. Is it ok for me to get new tires, even if I hold off on the struts/shock replacement?

I suppose, I could attempt to do the shocks myself to offset the mechanic's cost (not a DIY guy... a friend of mine who is would probably help me). I know the struts are hard, so I won't touch them.

Sorry for the seemingly dumb questions - complete car idiot here.

[sex]

Ask them for an itemized estimate and compare to dealer estimate.

Are your current struts and shocks leaking or blown? Bounce your car. If it keeps going after you stop, then that corner's suspension needs replacement.

Tires can be replaced separately from struts/shocks. A completely wrecked suspension will ruin tires but hopefully that's not your situation

[Viperoni]

Originally Posted by Blowtorch

- Does that price seem reasonable fair? Would it be worth checking with my local Toyota dealer to see if they offer a better price?

- Are new struts and shocks absolutely necessary? I understand they help you brake better, but if I go without, am I absolutely killing my car?

- I want to replace my tires later this month. Is it ok for me to get new tires, even if I hold off on the struts/shock replacement?

Answers:

- Too expensive, you shouldn't be paying more than ~$600.

- They affect all aspects of your handling. At only 64k miles, I doubt they actually need replacing though.

- Replacing one doesn't really affect the other.

[Blowtorch]

Thanks for your responses.