It is the sound which is most disturbing - almost like metal grating on metal when you go over a bump. It is very apparent that the shocks/struts/springs are gone. The mechanic talked about having to cut the sway bar out. My husband owned a Nissan Pulsar years ago which had a shock seize and then go through the frame when he drove over a bump - I'd rather not have to deal with something similar because I've waited too long.

The entire job is three hours for the mechanic. Still thinking about it given that I was quoted $4500 Canadian for the trade in - but they hadn't seen the accident show up on the VIN report. That will take it down a bit - so to pay $1200 plus tax to replace the front suspension is dicey.