Are Monroe struts really that bad??
 

I need to replace my struts on my '00 ES3 and I'm on a tight budget. The local auto part store has "OEM equivalent" Monroe's for $118 each. They also have a lifetime warranty. Anyone here have good or bad personal experience with Monroe struts in an ES300?

There's nothing wrong with Monroe struts. They are fine for most applications and when I replace mine I'll likely get Monroe quickstruts.

Monroe OESpectrum is a very good strut. Monroe economy is not a good part. Quick Struts are iffy they have been known to make noise among other issues. BTW you can buy the originals for about the same price as you were quoted.

Be careful when you but any type of quick strut. I know for my Avalon that they just throw the Camry struts in, instead of a heavier duty strut, and they don't take the difference in weight. Just pay attention to what you get and you should be fine. And don't get economy anything. Your ride will be bad, and they don't usually last past 10K.

Personal experience, I opted for non quick struts and 10k miles later, no complaints. My dad on the other hand has a 01 Camry and replaced his with monroe quick struts and his car is now developing a sort of thumping over bumps in the rear, they're about 20k miles old.

Monroe QuickStruts are fine if you have an older car that you aren't too particularly concerned about ride quality. They represent a great value as you replace all the hardware in one shot (boot, mount, strut, spring, etc).

I've got Monroe Quick-struts on my Solara and after 10,000 km they have broken in and ride fine (though not as soft as the blown OEM's).

For a Lexus however, you'd generally want to retain the smooth OEM ride feeling, and thus quick struts might ruin the ride. I've heard good things about their standalone struts with lifetime warranty, which is definitely worth looking at as a cheaper alternative to OEM, as long as your keeping OEM springs and strut mounts. I might take this route on my 4ES if OEM presents a substantial price difference.

I don't think Monroe officially lists the Lexus ES300 for its Quick-struts, if so its just the same part number as the Camry. But why would you want your Lexus to ride like a Camry?:egads:

Check out Shock Warehouse (or other online retailers)

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index....cted_year=2000

Online is usually cheaper than some of the local parts stores on shocks/struts. I personally prefer KYB over Monroe and KYB looks to be slightly less for your application.

YES Monroe struts are HORRIBLE. I put them on mine and it rides bad. Also they really aren't that much cheaper than buying them from the Lexus dealer. I think they are around $100 each from the dealer. Trust me you will be glad you got the originals.

Just called the local Lexus dealer--Struts are about $190 each wheel and strut mounts are $125 a piece. Looks like I'll definitely be going with the Monroe's or KYB!

Get them from Sewell Lexus, they come out to about 500 for all four struts.

My Lexus dealer wants $13000.00 for rear struts, OEM. Seems high, way high.

I got the monroe quick struts on my 1992 lexus ES300 and they are really nice.
i have no complaints. i got them for the front and rear. bought them on amazon.com
and then had my local mechanic install them. Quick struts are the way to go!
hope this helped!

Sell your ES330 :p I'm sure you meant 1300? Yes that is expensive. But check sewell! I believe each strut is like 180.

I had Monroe's on a 2000 Avalon. they blew within 20k. replaced with kyb gr2 that ride a bit better (more controlled) but not as good as oem. come winter, one of the rear struts was sticking and making a clunking noise when it was cold. after the strut warmed up, the noise went away. imho, don't waste your time with aftermarket struts. do it right once, go OEM. they'll last longer and ride much better

yes 1300 sorry about that. i have 2 es330 cars, 04, and one 02 es300, all great cars. the 02 with 138000 miles is great, these are very good cars.