Cheap Quick struts?

[pbm]

I'm contemplating new quick struts for my 2002 ZX-2 and have read that the cheap brands aren't very good. The car is in great condition, with only 83K, and I just replaced the timing belt, serpentine belts, tensioners etc....I also just replaced the headlight assemblies because I couldn't buff out the fading on the originals. All the same I don't want to spend a lot because I'll probably get rid of it soon enough (only because I have too many vehicles insured).

My question is....Are all those cheap brands the same or is one better than the rest?
I'm talking Sensen, FCS , Unity , Detroit Axle etc? How about Monroe Economatic's...are they a step above or the same as the rest?

What order would you rate these brands?

Thanks.

PS: If I sell...What is a 2002, rust free (from Nevada),83K, well maintained ZX-2 worth that really needs nothing?

 

[mjk]

I can't speak for all the brands you listed. I have used Monroe's entry level quick struts, and they worked just fine on my vehicle for well over 70k, before I sold it.

 

[Lubener]

I would go for Monroe or Gabriel.

 

[BigD1]

You might want to shop Ebay for some close out quick struts. I found a rear set of Gabriel ReadyMount struts for $61 shipped. Been installed for about a year now, and they are doing just fine.

I was going to go with the cheap Monroe quick struts, but there is not much warranty. Advance Auto told me 90 day warranty.

 

[Irishman]

If you get Monroe struts get the regular struts, not the cheap one's. That's what I have and I'm very pleased with them. I believe Monroe and Gabriel both have rebates going on now.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Do not use any of the [censored] mentioned in your OP!!!!!

The Chinese brands won't last more than 10k, and the Econo-Matic won't make it to 30k.

Instead, get real quick struts. Monroe Quick Strut, Gabriel Ultra Readymount, KYB Strut Plus, or Sachs. They're good for at least 50k. Also, Monroe and Gabriel have rebate promos going on right now, making them not too much more than the Chinese garbage.

 

[tenderloin]

Did the cheap Monroe strut/springs on the college Focus. Pure junk, at least in this application. Replaced with next level Monroes and all was well.

 

[BigCahuna]

I was just looking for struts for my '02 explorer, and the price differences are all over the map. The Monroe's were the most expensive, while I found ones from A1 auto parts that were alot cheaper, and came with a 10 year warranty. It seems most of the stuff you look at at Ebay is stuff made in China. Rotors, brake pads, struts ect. Alot of that stuff is oem stuff. I can't believe everything sold from there doesn't work worth [censored], cause they sure sell alot of it.,,

 

[eljefino]

I have Sensens all around on my camry and they're great. Nice and stiff. They were naked struts, not quick, so I reused the springs and mounts. If you want to go cheap, do some sweat equity and build 'em yourself. The complaints seem to emphasize cheezy mounts on the all-in-ones.

HF's spring compressor can handle a ford compact car spring, or you could loan the tool from autozone.

 

[tenderloin]

Originally Posted By: pbm


PS: If I sell...What is a 2002, rust free (from Nevada),83K, well maintained ZX-2 worth that really needs nothing?


Trade in $1200 (stick) $1400 (auto) Private party add $600-800 IMO

 

[ejes]

I put some MOOG's on my son's 97 LeSabre last summer. I think they are rebranded Monroe's; got them from Summit Racing. They've been good.

 

[Rolla07]

Why dont you just sell it and let someone else bother with changing the struts? You wont get the return on investment by doing the struts as I feel you wont get much for the car. If you are going to sell it..id sell as is..if you plan to keep...go with kyb..i wouldnt use monroe or gabriel...let alone the other brands...any labor intensive job deserves quality parts...time wasted redoing them in 10-30k and having to redo an alignment just isnt worth it. Cheap stuff is fine for easy swaps but time and another alignment are money in my eyes...check mfr sites for rebates.

 

[eljefino]

Who, buying a $1200 used car, is going to care what brand struts are in it so long as they don't clunk and ride ok "right now"?

 

[pbm]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
I have Sensens all around on my camry and they're great. Nice and stiff. They were naked struts, not quick, so I reused the springs and mounts. If you want to go cheap, do some sweat equity and build 'em yourself. The complaints seem to emphasize cheezy mounts on the all-in-ones.

HF's spring compressor can handle a ford compact car spring, or you could loan the tool from autozone.


That's an interesting insight....the struts are good...the mounts stink.
I had struts changed on a 2005 Ion a few year ago...I used KYB and had to replace the brand new KYB mount with a Monroe due to noise.

I'm thinking that I'd be best to sell it and let the next guy worry about it, as I'll never recoup the cost. I have a penchant for buying a car, getting it perfect (change plugs, wires, anti-freeze, ATF fluid/filter, tires etc..etc..etc)...and then getting tired of it. The next owner benefits at my expense. I sold that 2005 Saturn Ion 2.5 years ago with 46K miles, running perfect....the new owner constantly tell me how great the car runs...but she wouldn't give me my asking price for it...

 

[Kira]

How lousy does it ride now?

I guess that's why "they say" clean the car and wash the windows for real then just sell it.

A couple of bucks this way or that is one thing. More bucks is different.
Feeling ripped off or treated like a liar when a prospective buyer cannot calculate the value of your car AND YOU HAVE TO SELL IT is quite another.

A lady from Russia bought my brother's 1993 Volvo 240 for a fair price (lots of big maintenance done) only because a) she had one smashed out from under her and liked the car to start with and b) was raised to maintain property and knew what she was looking at.

In northern New Jersey (where my brother lived) the phone DID NOT ring. I found that surprising given the 240's reputation.

Your JOB #1 is to sell your car. Let 'em hire you to upgrade/maintain it. Then they can select/supply whatever Q-level they want. Kira

 

[FastLane]

Check out rock auto. I paid 46 bucks cnd for Motorcraft quick struts.