Quoted $2000 to replace control arms, does that sound right!

Thanks for the reply. If anyone has an idea what it should cost, a range, I would sure appreciate the help. :)

Great description, thanks! Googleing was a bit overwhelming since I didn't know what I was looking for. How do I know if it all really needs to be replaced or not? Couldn't they just say it does?

I've used them for several years but it seems every time I go in they find something more expensive to fix. It's starting to concern me because they said my car was in great shape and all I needed was rear brakes. I take good care of my car because it's the last car I'll ever be able to have but lately the costs to keep it up have been crazy. I feel they should have known about this issue since they told me they had checked it out thoroughly the last time I was in. I have to pay them for anything they look at and I don't think it's wrong to expect it to be correct. Control arms were on the list of maintenance items that needed to be done but he originally quoted me $700. I take it in to have it repaired and it goes up to $2000. I want to trust them but that's A LOT of money for me to come up with. I've already spent a couple of thousand in repairs in the last year and at what point do I stop? Now they're saying they found a coolant leak and it's $88 to just find out where its coming from. It was less than a year ago that I had the whole cooling unit replaced. I only drive the car 1000-2000 miles a year so how could so much be going wrong with it so quickly?

Some aftermarket places offer inner and outter tie rod assemblies. They can be pricey. The upper links aren't too bad to replace, neither are the lowers, the tie rods if they are the assemblies can easily consume time. Also figure in the shop's hourly rate. See what they quoted you for parts, then check autohausaz. Com or blaupart. Com and compare prices. Maybe help save a few bucks. I've always replaced tie rod ends and/or the 4 upper control arms to cure the rattle you're concerned about. But also we aren't at your car so I can't say what all it needs. It boils down to the facilities reputation.

Sounds logical. Word of mouth is probably the best reputation

I picked up my car today and had a long talk with the service manager. I really do trust this shop especially after he took the time to explain everything. The diagram Thomas posted here really helped. Thanks Thomas!

I have different worn parts on both sides but they have to be replaced on each side, not just the side they're worn. He priced getting the parts separate and buying the whole kit and it came out cheaper to buy the kit. The parts are $1050 and the labor is $663 plus tax on parts for a total of $1800 not the $2000 he estimated before doing all the actual pricing.

I've kept the car in good condition and he said it's a good car and he would rather see me put money into it than get another used car. He also said it wasn't something that I had to do immediately since I don't drive much.

Talking with you guys helped me have confidence in talking to him and asking for details and I can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone that posted.

They often mail out coupons so I'll wait until then to have it fixed which will also give me time to save up the money.

Thanks again, everyone!
Alice