Front strut replacement on a 325K mile car

I am in need of some front struts, I think. I have driven on New England post-winter war-zone like potholes in this car since 2017. I am the second owner and I bought the car in 2017 with 175K miles. It already had, according to previous owner's records replacement "quick struts". I assume Monroe quick struts, but the documentation does not mention "Monroe", just says "Quick Struts". I know Monroe uses that moniker, so I assume I've been riding on Monroe quick struts all this time. I've been satisfied with them. Now this car has 325K miles and is riding harshly, though steering and handling are fine. I am wanting to improve the ride, but really do not see the point of going with KYB, which are $170 per side, whereas Monroe Quick Struts are $70 per side. I am talking the strut+spring assembly as I am going to DIY this thing and do not want to deal with spring transfer. Is there anything wrong with Monroe? I know KYB is the OEM and probably much better product, but I am looking for cheap and effective. This is not a Lambo (like my other car - kidding). If I've been riding on Monroe all this time, I am fine with that. I would rather save $200. But if there are some horror stories out there associated with Monroe Quick Struts for 2007 Prius, please let me know.

 

Strangely enough, I have no control issues at all. The car drives and handles fine. Every now and again I hear some noise when accelerating from a hard left turn. Not even sure if it's the front or rear, it's hard to tell. Other than that the car handles solidly. Just really rough (much rougher than before) on bumps. Steering is straight also. Oh, one more thing I forgot because it happened on VERY cold days in the winter. When it's well below freezing, those (now rare) super-cold days the car feels like it has no suspension and rides on solid rods. Like shocks are not compressing at all or very little. Then after driving a bit and warming up it becomes a bit more normal. This only happens on very cold days. Other times it's normal, but sloppy and harsh.

I am not sure I can get front struts cheaper than $70/side and I do not have a good feeling about buying used suspension from a junk yard. Just does not seem like a good idea. There is a significant amount of work involved in replacement and if I end up with crap, all that needs to be repeated. I would much rather get new, known good strut assemblies. If the car was newer and not super rusty (another story), I would probably splurge for KYB, but as it is, I am seriously thinking Monroe.

 

I am looking at RockAuto, which I have had good luck with as far quality of parts. I hear you about lack of confidence in the supply chain these days....