Rep Power: 0

I bought a 2003 Civic Coupe EX. With 88.000km (55000 miles)
Before the deal I took the car for a check-up to be sure that is not a lemon.
I was told that the :
1.Struts needs to be replaced, they leaked out. 1000 CAD.300/piece for Monroe struts+386 for labour
2.The beak pads have 3mm (1/8”) on it.
3.Have to Change the Block heater cord. 60 CAD
4.Needs new tires, air filter.

Did the # 4 right away.

Took to an other shop to fix #3
They changed it for 20 Bucks.
This mechanic told me that I can still go with the struts ,they would charge 900 (same struts)with the wheel alignment.
but the break pads are at 1mm needs to be replaced. Charge 350 with pads +rotors and labour
Drove apr. 250km (150 miles) between the two estimates.
I don’t think I used 2 mm of brake pad.

Now I am wondering what should I do,
It is look like Monroe Sensatrac struts are not that good.
Tokico HP Gas are a better choice? OR KYB?

tokico hps are horrible ! do not get them “
from http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/suspe...k2-tokico.html
Or KYB?

Should I change the struts and brake pads too?
I don’t want the car to be lowered, I like it how it is now.
One of my friends can do it I will have to help only(no big deal)
Do we need some special tools or retrofit the struts?
What brake pads I should buy?
Rotors needs to be change too?

Really appreciate any help and advice.

 
Rep Power: 813

tokico hp is way better than monroe, and they are only around 350 shipped USD on ebay. ive had mine for 3 yrs with lowering springs and they are still in perfect shape, i drive on terrible roads all the time too. for install, you need a spring compressor and possibly some other stuff depending if you break a bolt. maybe a tie rod separator fork too. rotor might not need to be changed, depends how much material is left and how its worn. pads usually oem is good but alot of people prefer the hawk HPS pads. i would stick with oem rotors if you need to replace em.