The Nissan Path

Hello everyone.

I'm trying to help my elderly neighbor (75 or 76 y.o), who has a 2003 Pathfinder LE 4-wheel drive with 140,000 miles, not abused - city driving for two people. He needs to replace real struts, possibly front ones as well, if he can find it at a good price. Can anyone point out what would be the best value (with decent quality). 1. given his financial status he cannot afford OEM stuff. 2. Given his age and the fact he has no relatives, I suspect this pathfinder is his last vehicle, and whatever parts are being replaced must last for another 50k miles. I would really appreciate any advice that will allow me to help him with correct purchase. Another question to run by - his mechanic asked $425 for aftermarket front and real struts installed (part and labor) - how good deal is that given that he does not have to deal with any "surprise" elements. Thank you in advance.

That actually sounds like a pretty good price. This place gives an estimate of $586 to replace both sets. http://repairpal.com/

It's a good price if they use good parts. Without knowing what parts they are using, it's hard to say. Personally, I would go with KYB GR-2/Excel-G struts and shocks. KYB is an OEM supplier of struts and shocks to Nissan and the GR-2/Excel-G is a direct replacement part for the genuine Nissan units, plus they also have a limited lifetime warranty. The other question is whether they include new mounts and strut bearing in that price? Most would recommend new strut mount kits. Right now you can go to Rockauto.com and order the following with discount code "58706B0C3F9D33" for $300:

KYB GR-2 left front strut: 335033
KYB GR-2 right front strut: 335032
2-KYB GR-2 rear shocks: 343379
2-KYB mount kits: SM5329

Then you are looking at around 3-hours labor, not including wheel alignment. So, $425 is good, if you are getting good parts and they are replacing the mounts. If not, the price may not be so good.

Guys, thank you so much for quick replying. I'll evalu now those options and probably will go and talk to the mechanic this weekend to get a feel what will be included. Thx again.