[bonyrek]

2001 Civic Sedan EX. Car is totally stock. I need to replace the front struts. I am wondering whether its a better idea to buy aftermarket parts instead of getting another pair of HONDA struts.

Dealership quoted $318 for two HONDA brand front struts and the labor would be $597 (lawl). Since I don't want to pay $900+ for the service, I will probably get it done somewhere else. I have never had to deal with a major suspension issue like this before.

1. Would it be cheaper/better to buy struts myself and bring them to a mechanic who can install them for me? (Don't know how to install them and don't really want to install them myself anyway).
2. If so, where and what to buy, I hear Tokico are good value struts. Would the car perform OK with stock struts in the back and Tokicos in the front? (Back struts are fine and are not worn out yet).

[KLIMOV25gyi]

I think you can get a good set cheaper by going aftermarket.

I paid about $600 for a set of 4 KYB AGX struts for my car. And those are high performance struts that are 4 way adjustable dampener strength.

After a quick search, I found some KYB GR-2 struts that would fit your car for less then $100 each. Way cheaper then what those OEMs would cost, and KYB makes a good strut.

Couldn't give you any advice about having a shop replace them as I do that kind of work myself.

[Grennios]

http://www.rockauto.com/

[Fgunehjf]

I think you can get a good set cheaper by going aftermarket.

I paid about $600 for a set of 4 KYB AGX struts for my car. And those are high performance struts that are 4 way adjustable dampener strength.

After a quick search, I found some KYB GR-2 struts that would fit your car for less then $100 each. Way cheaper then what those OEMs would cost, and KYB makes a good strut.

Couldn't give you any advice about having a shop replace them as I do that kind of work myself.

I second the KYB GTR's,cheaper than oem and better.

[Bromikka]

Some struts need to be replaced as a unit, some can have an insert fitted.
If you have access to the tools, it's may not be a big job BUT some vehicles need the front end to be largely dis-assembled and the struts removed and this can be a bit more fiddly - especially for a beginner.
The vehicle should also have it's alignment checked when completed as some struts have a slotted fitting that will affect the camber.

OK, disregard some of the above, these may be correct - much easier option and well within the capabilities of a handyman - You could probably buy a spring compressor, manual, jack and stands, etc and still save money witht he bonus of having the tools left over for resale or hire/loaning or further jobs.

http://www.partstrain.com/store/inde...N=0&Ntt=Struts

Draco' may be able to point you to better sites, though!

[Hodstcopter]

2001 Civic? Nothing eathier than changing the struts there, shouldn't take longer than 2h! A beginner might need 4 or 5 hours...so a professional shop shouldn't charge more then 2-2,5h!
And I won't use Honda original parts, they're not necessary for a 9yr old car! Go with the Kayaba stuff, can't do anything wrong with them!