My front left strut is leaking and I feel and hear bumps. I am wondering if ok to buy used front struts or buy new.
If used, any pointers for telling if the strut is in good condition?
If new, any suggestions for low to regular priced struts?

 

They are not struts, they are shocks and are only about $120/side shipped, including new Bellows and bump stops.

Also likely needed are new shock mounts, which are the crumbly orange foam underneath the black cap at the top shock nut. These are about $150/pair off Ebay.

 

+1. Stay with the Bilstein shocks and get the black urethane mounts from Welsh Ent. Also replace the sway bar mounts and drop links, not expensive.

Inspect the upper wishbone bushings, they are probably shot.

 

You will be happy if you replace the shocks and the mounts. Well worth the time and effort.

 

Thanks everyone for your input, much appreciated.

I'll follow up after I disassemble, inspect and replace.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone,
New shock mounts, shocks bump mounts and reused bellows. After an alignment running smooth as new.