Cost of shock absorber for Toyota Vitz

koo1, Jul 25, 5:05am
I have just had an AA-pre-purchase inspection done on a Toyota Vitz. It needs a new left hand shock absorber. I am totally ignorant about anything mechanical, and was wondering roughly how much this would cost? The garages have all closed for the day, and I was wanting to purchase it tomorrow. Any advice much appreciated.

kazbanz, Jul 25, 5:06am
koo1--front or rear shock absorber?
Also what year vitz is it?
A PAIR of rear shocks for a 1999-2004 vitz costs about $200.
Fitting would cost you half an hours labour.

seadubya, Jul 25, 5:08am
If it was me I would price up two, I prefer to do fronts or rears as pairs to keep things balanced.

koo1, Jul 25, 5:10am
Thank you, kazbanz, it is a 2002, and it is left front shock absorber. Can one do only the one side?

Much appreciated!

martin11, Jul 25, 5:11am
Do them in pairs never replace just one side !

koo1, Jul 25, 5:11am
Thanks, you've answered my question, seadubya, just as I was posting it. That makes sense!

koo1, Jul 25, 5:11am
Thanks, Martin11.

intrade, Jul 25, 6:04am
ok number 1 you never replace just 1 shock absorber.
number 2 AA reports are usually as good as if a 5 year old scribbled on a page to the value of how good it is, i would be worried what else there is looming shockabsorbers usually only fail on high milage cars but who knows maybe they actuarly did a propper test but i would get a secound test by your mechanic done on the car befor purchase

koo1, Jul 27, 1:17am
Thank you kazbanz and intrade. That's very useful information. I was planning on bidding on the car on 4 August at Turners Auctioneers.

koo1, Jul 27, 1:18am
The buy now is $5,650, but is expected to go between $3,000 and $4,000 at the auction. The reported mileage is around 149,000.

sw20, Jul 27, 1:28am
Genuine Toyota price is only around $150 each. Toyota NZ line price many of their parts now, so they are all the same price, regardless of model. I got the factory fitted Bilsteins from Toyota for $150 each for the old MR2.

kazbanz, Jul 27, 2:03am
LOL--plus buyers fee etc

koo1, Jul 27, 7:44am
Thanks sw20. Yes, plus $400 buyer's fee, kazbanz.

xs1100, Dec 21, 12:14am
prob best you go and have a look at actual car yards and do some negotiations