2000 Z24 Cavalier Convertible

[608Meg]

Hey everyone--

I'm a 22 year old woman, and know nothing about cars. But I do think I am being taken for a ride. I have a 2000 Z24 Cavalier 2.4L with 39,500 miles and a few days ago heard a creaking noise coming from the front of the car. It only happens when going over a bump, on a smooth road you can't hear the noise at all. I took it in this morning, and I was told that I need new lower ball joints on both sides and new front struts on each side. The total cost was $1000. I don't think I should need new ball joints at less that 40K miles. I don't know if 40K miles is reasonable to need new struts. Then again, like I said, I am a 22 year old woman that knows nothing about cars. Can anyone give me advice?

[jeremy06]

hello, I agree you probably are getting taken for a ride. Have someone check to see your sway bar links are both intact, both cv joints are working with no ripped cv boots, that the upper struct mounts are tight.... for starters

Originally Posted by 608Meg

Hey everyone--

I'm a 22 year old woman, and know nothing about cars. But I do think I am being taken for a ride. I have a 2000 Z24 Cavalier 2.4L with 39,500 miles and a few days ago heard a creaking noise coming from the front of the car. It only happens when going over a bump, on a smooth road you can't hear the noise at all. I took it in this morning, and I was told that I need new lower ball joints on both sides and new front struts on each side. The total cost was $1000. I don't think I should need new ball joints at less that 40K miles. I don't know if 40K miles is reasonable to need new struts. Then again, like I said, I am a 22 year old woman that knows nothing about cars. Can anyone give me advice?