[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).