2000 Toyota Echo struts - which ones?

[Toy4x4]

My sister has this car and they need to be replaced. Besides OEM, I've seen KYBs and Gabriels, $55 and $85 respectively with the OEMs $95. I've seen other brands that are cheaper, but would rather stay away from them...don't want to have the cheapest on the car.

What are your opinions on the KYBs and Gabriels?

Thank you.

 

[zyxelenator]

Monroe Quick Studs(around 130$ for one piece),they will save you money on labor, there is also rebate going on,and you can get them from AAP with discount code and get $50 for next purchase. You can order 2, than another 2. I was playing with AAP website, and minus money after rebate, you total will end up like paying for 2 instead of 4. Or something close.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I have KYBs on my LS400 since 2001-2002 and still working well for 150+k miles.

 

[Y_K]

KYB never let me down

 

[oilmaven]

I've tried a few different struts over the years...Monroe, Gabriel, KYB, OEM (never tried Koni or Bilstein due to the price). The last time the 'ol Honda needed struts I ordered a set (front and rear) of Sachs struts based on the (few) good reviews I read online (got the standard struts...think they call them the touring line). The price was right so I thought I'd give them a try. The struts have worked out great...good handling without being harsh so the ride is still close to OEM (maybe a tad firmer). I'd recommend them although to get them you'll have to locate them online (couldn't find a retailer that carried them).

 

[Trav]

Quote:
The last time the 'ol Honda needed struts I ordered a set (front and rear) of Sachs struts based on the (few) good reviews I read online


Sachs are really nice struts, i put them on a Solara and it rode better than new OEM, going on 5 yrs and no problems even in this pot hole infested nightmare.
IIRC i got them from Rock Auto for a good price.

 

[pbm]

I would use KYBs over Gabriels in a second.
If they cost less that's surprising and a bonus.

 

[SteveSRT8]

We are not fans of KYB. They have let us down more than once, but this is on large heavy vans, not small cars.

Gabriel Ultra is a fantastic alternative, if you can find them for your app.

 

[kr_bitog]

Originally Posted By: Toy4x4
My sister has this car and they need to be replaced. Besides OEM, I've seen KYBs and Gabriels, $55 and $85 respectively with the OEMs $95. I've seen other brands that are cheaper, but would rather stay away from them...don't want to have the cheapest on the car.

What are your opinions on the KYBs and Gabriels?

Thank you.



KYB and Gabriels are good struts, however most KYB model are basic and not performance type, so depends on the application you need to check the model you want, whether gas-charged/standard oil, single or dual action.

Both is normally last longer than Monroe, the OEM is normally KYB or Tokico.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Can anyone guess why KYB would be OEM?

 

[LeakySeals]

I did not like the KYB's too stiff for me and lifted my car which looked odd. I like the Gabriel. You can get a $75 rebate on 4 Monroe OESpectrum Struts if you buy before Oct 31st.

 

[ronbo]

Monroe has rebate until end of October, I got the following form from rockauto.com http://www.monroe.com/assets/downloads/promotions/Monroe_WhatShocksYouRebate_US_WEB.pdf