Replacement Shocks and Struts question

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by MattDKC, Feb 15, 2026 at 12:12 PM.

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  1. MattDKC

    MattDKC New Member

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    Hello all.

    I have a 2013 Prius Persona edition. I inherited it from a parent 6 years ago, and while not a fan at first, I love it now and it refuses to die.
    I have 143k miles on it and the shocks/ struts need to be replaced (I believe they are the originals).
    I have a great local mobile mechanic that has done work on it and he has the rare option of me supplying my own parts when he works on my cars.

    He has given me a labor quote of $250 to $312 to do the job.

    If I get the parts from him (I asked him to quote OEM or OEM equivalent) the parts alone would be $962.64 with a 12 month warranty on parts and labor.

    I think the labor quote is reasonable and he is a known mechanic that has done great work in the past for me.

    My question is on the parts. I know he needs to make a profit on parts, but I am seeing full parts kits (on Amazon) for around $300.

    Looking for any advice on buying the parts, good or bad choices, brands, etc. Thanks in advance for any replies!
     
    #1 MattDKC, Feb 15, 2026 at 12:12 PM
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Why does a mechanic need to make a profit on parts why is he in the parts game at all? That's crazy I'm not paying a mobile mechanic 40% markup on parts that I don't even pay ever . Matter of fact a lot of my parts are free but that's another convo. You're talking like 45 minutes a corner here to bolt the stuff on . Wal mart tools . Nothing special . You'll have other problems coming up here in short order. You got money to replace an engine or a valve head job on the one you have ? Say 5K? On this how old car ? Yeppers.
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Feb 16, 2026 at 9:01 AM
  3. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Don't get cheap parts! Unless you just don't care. But you may need to pay for the job
    a few times in a short period of time....

    Why shouldn't he make money on the parts? He has to do the work to call and get the parts.
    Time is money. So if YOU do the work and get the CORRECT parts, he doesn't.

    If the get the "quick" strut, which is the whole assembly, it's just a matter of removing the old and
    installing the new. A lot quicker and easier.
    If you only get the cartridge, he has to remove, disassemble, reassemble, and install. A lot more
    time and work.

    Stay away from amazon, and most ebay sellers. Sadly, those parts are getting cheaper and cheaper.
    I would suggest KYB, or at least Monroe.

     
    #3 ASRDogman, Feb 16, 2026 at 11:44 AM
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