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Strut Repair Recommendations in Boston

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by kithenkin, Jul 11, 2022.

  1. kithenkin

    kithenkin New Member

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    During a routine oil change and inspection by the dealership, I was told that my front struts need to replaced. Local Toyota wants to charge $1500 for this work.

    Anyone recommendations for auto repair shops in the Metrowest area of Boston to do this work at a reasonable price?

    TIA for your time and good advice.
     
    #1 kithenkin, Jul 11, 2022
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Did they say why they recommend this work? How does the car feel to you, notice anything? How many miles btw?
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Jul 11, 2022
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  3. kithenkin

    kithenkin New Member

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    Thanks for your reply. It's at 145,000 miles. No, I haven't noticed anything different about the car. I made an appointment for it at a local garage later this week for a second opinion.
     
    #3 kithenkin, Jul 11, 2022
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    why boston? are you visiting from antartica?
     
    #4 bisco, Jul 11, 2022
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  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Get it done down south as you are driving back to Antarctica. Any shop can change struts so go with high quality parts at an independent shop. If they are not leaking it is not absolutely necessary to replace them. Struts are a profit center for some dealers.
     
    #5 rjparker, Jul 11, 2022
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  6. kithenkin

    kithenkin New Member

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    Okay, thanks! I'm going to keep shopping the job. I'm originally from Delaware and it crossed my mind to have the car looked at there during a break but I'm also uncomfortable driving it that far if there's a problem.
     
    #6 kithenkin, Jul 11, 2022
  7. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Tetas garage spfld mass . Google them and see if they're still there this was a top-notch operation but any place can replace the struts just depends on who's going to have what on hand Monroe makes a complete strut I think that might cover the gen 3 Prius complete meaning spring and everything just bolt it on the car and go which if you have it like that you can about doing the driveway with basic hand tools seriously
     
    #7 Tombukt2, Jul 11, 2022
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  8. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    If you really need them replaced and they're actually bad - stick with either the OEM struts or KYB. KYB struts are used by most OEM's, and you'll maintain that OEM suspension feel.
    I've found Monroe to be a bit soft and squishy; but some people like them. If you like soft and squishy ride, go ahead with the Monroe - but if you want to maintain the taunt OEM feel of the car suspension; stick with OEM or KYB. Do Not go cheap; you will hate the ride, handling, creeks, pops, and suspension bottoming out. The shocks & springs must be a proper match for your car.

    Just my experience with shocks and struts - take it or leave it. Good Luck
     
    #8 BiomedO1, Jul 11, 2022
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  9. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Interesting I've never had any trouble with the Monroe Gold series I had them in a few Corollas and what have you seem to be okay but I've always used KYB gas a just. Whenever I can get them
     
    #9 Tombukt2, Jul 11, 2022
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  10. kithenkin

    kithenkin New Member

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    Thank you! I will check them out.
     
    #10 kithenkin, Jul 11, 2022
  11. kithenkin

    kithenkin New Member

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    Okay, thank you! I will definitely bear this in mind.
     
    #11 kithenkin, Jul 11, 2022
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    This is the thing; it could be the dealership service writer needed extra cash, opted to sell you some struts. At the least, I wouldn’t rush.
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Jul 12, 2022
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yeah, maybe wait until you get back to antartica, bostonians are thieves
     
    #13 bisco, Jul 12, 2022
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  14. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    Boston to Antarctica is a really long drive. Let us know how you get on
     
    #14 PaulDM, Jul 12, 2022
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  15. kithenkin

    kithenkin New Member

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    Okay, I will definitely keep this in mind. Thank you!
     
    #15 kithenkin, Jul 12, 2022
  16. kithenkin

    kithenkin New Member

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    I just wanted to tell everyone here that you were right and a big thank you!

    Took the car to a local mom and pop shop this morning. The mechanics put the car up on a lift. One of the guys pulled on something and then shook his head. I thought for sure I was getting some bad news.

    The lead mechanic then called me over and showed me. He said that while the struts are a little rusty, they are not leaking and there is absolutely no safety issue. My decision if I want to replace them or not but not necessary at this time.

    Toyota dealership tried to hit me for $1500.
     
    #16 kithenkin, Jul 15, 2022
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yep, that's their m/o. would be interesting to know how much they steal from customers nationwide every year.

    must be in the billions
     
    #17 bisco, Jul 15, 2022
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