What's the general consensus on best budget oem replacement style shocks/struts to buy for a 3rd gen? I'm not looking to change the performance just to replace dead oem units. Is everyone using KYB GR2/Excel or something like that? I can get those for about 275 shipped for 4.
What mileage are most people changing the original struts/shocks at? I'm pretty sure the fronts are blown/dead since it bounces after hitting a speed bump but it's really hard to tell because I honestly haven't had a "normal" car in a long long time. All my other cars are BMW M products and Porsche's and I just don't know if the car just rides soft or a little "sloppy" based on my standards or if the shocks/struts are toast. I'd assume they are at 136K miles. The tire wear seems good and the alignment is holding fine.
I do a daily 84 mile highway commute in Southern California at 65 to 70 mph in my 2011 Prius. I replaced my struts and shocks at 155,000 miles. They were definitely used up. If I had to do it again, I would have replaced them 30,000 miles earlier. The difference in ride is very noticeable. I replaced with the factory OEM units and also replaced the upper strut tower bearings. It was a 6+ hour thrash (for me) to replace it all. Be sure and get it aligned afterward.
I have close to 135k on a 2006. Any suggested sites for all in one struts. Seems like Rockauto and eBay? I'm going to DIY or DIM Can get these on rockauto.com for $119 & $121 for the fronts: More Information for KYB SR4224
DIY, rear sets of KYB for $50 from autoanything (w/ coupons) Monroe for front. forgot how much. Rear set was easy if you have the access panel. You notice more on the freeway especially with on/off ramp and less jittery. While you're replace the shocks. Might as well do the sway bar end link
