I have a 2011 Prius III. Took my car to the dealership to have the engine coolant flushed and replaced. I was told that my car has broken sway bar end links in the front. I was also told that I need new struts. The dealership wants to charge over $1500 for this front end work. Is this something that can be done elsewhere cheaper? Is this a repair that is critical to have done by the dealership? Also, how dangerous is it to drive the car like this? (Should I have it towed to whoever will be changing this stuff?) TIA.
You'll be fine. They're probably not even broken - the end links just tend to wear out and get loose & rattle when you hit bumps. $1500 is crazy dealership prices. A pair of new front strut assemblies cost about $200-250 online. End links are about $40. An independent shop will probably charge in the ballpark of $200 to install them plus another $100 for an alignment. You could also get a more complete front end parts kit for $400: 2010 2010-2015 Toyota Prius Front 8 Piece Suspension Kit - AM-1009140789 at AM Autoparts Add ~$200 for tie rods & sway bar bushings and you'd probably get a whole new front suspension installed for maybe $900...
Get a second opinion. The dealerships are generally 2 to 3 times higher then an independent shop plus you may not even need the parts.
Side note dealerships are like Casinos. They have a lot of overhead. As a customer you are supporting all their high cost Try to find a mom and pop shop
