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Is $695 for struts too high? Help me w/ $ ?

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Old 05-17-2004, 07:52 AM
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Is $695 for struts too high? Help me w/ $ ?

Alright, so I've got a 120K 94 GXE. Just got done with a $700 timing belt/waterpump/tensioner/thermostat/cam seal/crank seal quality service by a respectable independent Nissan Mechanic.

But, I've been quoted the following prices, with labor included, I believe:
Front struts- $410
Rear struts- $285
Ball Joints- $185 for both sides
Radiator hoses- $150
Antenna $80
interior fan $160 (electronic climate control only works on HIGH)

I do need ball joints-safety, and radiator hoses-prevent a breakdown. My car needs struts it rides like a worn out taxi cab at high speed, but ~700 seems too high, IMHO-but does Nissan struts cost alot more or am I being taken for a ride? Any lower price, quality strut options?

I'm not going to fix the antenna, I can do it my self later. And I think the fan only works on high because of a bad fan amplifier that is ~30 dollars and is DIY.

Thanks for any and all input.
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Old 05-17-2004, 08:18 AM
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go to www.internetautomart.com and get your struts there, then have them installed, you'll get cheaper but better struts.
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Old 05-17-2004, 08:23 AM
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the antenna is easy to fix
the auto amp. needs to be replaced like you said and that's very easy

ball joints and suspension aren't that hard if you can find someone to help with some decent mechanical knowledge
check www.4dsc.com/articles both procedures are listed there
invest some money in some tools/jacks/whatever and you'll still save a lot more than paying someone else to do it
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Old 05-17-2004, 08:25 AM
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yes thats does sound needlessly high, i suggest doing as wink said and checkin out that website, or at least shop around before commiting to that high of a price. i would much rather go with a tokico strut package for 400+ dollars cheaper than the stock setup their qouting you with.
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Old 05-17-2004, 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by MaximamixaM
Alright, so I've got a 120K 94 GXE. Just got done with a $700 timing belt/waterpump/tensioner/thermostat/cam seal/crank seal quality service by a respectable independent Nissan Mechanic.

But, I've been quoted the following prices, with labor included, I believe:
Front struts- $410
Rear struts- $285
Ball Joints- $185 for both sides
Radiator hoses- $150
Antenna $80
interior fan $160 (electronic climate control only works on HIGH)

I do need ball joints-safety, and radiator hoses-prevent a breakdown. My car needs struts it rides like a worn out taxi cab at high speed, but ~700 seems too high, IMHO-but does Nissan struts cost alot more or am I being taken for a ride? Any lower price, quality strut options?

I'm not going to fix the antenna, I can do it my self later. And I think the fan only works on high because of a bad fan amplifier that is ~30 dollars and is DIY.

Thanks for any and all input.

FYI an upper and lower radiator hose will run you $18 at Autzone. I saw a set of 2 ball joints on Ebay for $35. KYB struts (front and rear) are around $225.
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Old 05-17-2004, 12:16 PM
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I saw the ball joints for $17 ea and the KYB struts for $205 on this site www.internetautomart.com
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Old 05-17-2004, 02:41 PM
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I definitely should give that internetautomar guy a try-maybe he will post...
So what's going on here-is my mechanic getting the shaft on high MSRP Nissan parts, or am I getting the shaft....the timing belt service seemed reasonable, but now I feel that it was a "loss leader"... Maybe I need to introduce him to www.internetautomart.com
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Old 05-17-2004, 04:31 PM
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Hey there...

First off, that sounds like rape with a capital R. $410 for front struts?? That's Koni territory right there!!
I'm in salina ks, about 2.5hrs from you. We could work something out and I can help you get most of the work done. I'll pm you in a lil bit.


Originally Posted by MaximamixaM
Alright, so I've got a 120K 94 GXE. Just got done with a $700 timing belt/waterpump/tensioner/thermostat/cam seal/crank seal quality service by a respectable independent Nissan Mechanic.

But, I've been quoted the following prices, with labor included, I believe:
Front struts- $410
Rear struts- $285
Ball Joints- $185 for both sides
Radiator hoses- $150
Antenna $80
interior fan $160 (electronic climate control only works on HIGH)

I do need ball joints-safety, and radiator hoses-prevent a breakdown. My car needs struts it rides like a worn out taxi cab at high speed, but ~700 seems too high, IMHO-but does Nissan struts cost alot more or am I being taken for a ride? Any lower price, quality strut options?

I'm not going to fix the antenna, I can do it my self later. And I think the fan only works on high because of a bad fan amplifier that is ~30 dollars and is DIY.

Thanks for any and all input.
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Old 05-18-2004, 03:28 AM
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Originally Posted by MaximamixaM
I definitely should give that internetautomar guy a try-maybe he will post...
So what's going on here-is my mechanic getting the shaft on high MSRP Nissan parts, or am I getting the shaft....the timing belt service seemed reasonable, but now I feel that it was a "loss leader"... Maybe I need to introduce him to www.internetautomart.com
Look up ^
/||\
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||
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Old 05-18-2004, 04:16 PM
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KYBs are probubly 150% better than stock, If ya live in atlanta, we could work something for ALL the work.
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Old 05-18-2004, 05:40 PM
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The cheapest struts I ever see is on www.taylorautomotive.com , if you order more than 75 dollars then the shipping is free.
 
Old 05-19-2004, 08:08 AM
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Originally Posted by GReDdyXMaXiMa
The cheapest struts I ever see is on www.taylorautomotive.com , if you order more than 75 dollars then the shipping is free.
Your right Taylorautomotive has had the cheapest price I could find when I did my struts 6 moths ago. Paid about $200 with shipping. Had them installed at Mienekie in nyc for around $250. Rides a whole lot better.
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Old 05-19-2004, 02:15 PM
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If you are good at hand work then you will be able to save alot of $$. Well at least I installed it myself and it is all good.
 
Old 05-19-2004, 04:33 PM
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Hey sorry to butt in but how much did just the timing belt parts/labor cost you...im unsure of when mine was last done and wanna get it done soon.
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Old 05-19-2004, 04:58 PM
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I called several independent and Nissan dealers for the timing belt service. Most "base" price quotes were probably in the 400 dollar range, and included only a new timing belt. But I wanted a new water pump since mine was leaking, and there goes about 200 bucks at dealer. Toss in new drivebelts and other things and things begin to get pricey. Since mine has 120K, I also wanted cam and crank seals since I plan to keep it till 180K-but I don't know if they were really worth it. Definitely call around and get a written price estimate. Mine was also included a new timing belt tensioner. So labor, tbelt, waterpump, tensioner, cam seals, crank seal, drivebelts as around 700 at a private garage, one private garage quoted 1050. The Nissan dealers were in the 800-900 dollar range. Like I said, shop around, get a written estimate, consider finding a mechanic that will order the parts from a discounter.
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Old 05-19-2004, 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by MaximamixaM
I called several independent and Nissan dealers for the timing belt service. Most "base" price quotes were probably in the 400 dollar range, and included only a new timing belt. But I wanted a new water pump since mine was leaking, and there goes about 200 bucks at dealer. Toss in new drivebelts and other things and things begin to get pricey. Since mine has 120K, I also wanted cam and crank seals since I plan to keep it till 180K-but I don't know if they were really worth it. Definitely call around and get a written price estimate. Mine was also included a new timing belt tensioner. So labor, tbelt, waterpump, tensioner, cam seals, crank seal, drivebelts as around 700 at a private garage, one private garage quoted 1050. The Nissan dealers were in the 800-900 dollar range. Like I said, shop around, get a written estimate, consider finding a mechanic that will order the parts from a discounter.
I'm just a couple of hours north of you....
The previous owner of my Max showed me her bill for $1600 to replace tensioner, water pump, timing belt, drive belts, brake shoes, rebuild calipers, turn rotors and replace left axle....and replace AC compressor and recharge with R-12. All done at a Nissan dealer.
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