Parts advice on daughters car

Hi,

I purchased a 2006 Civic with 220,000 miles for my daughter. She is getting her license tomorrow.

I need advice on parts:

I am going to replace shocks/struts, brake discs/pads & wheel bearings all around.

I will do the work myself.

Please share thoughts: Do I buy the cheapest kits on eBay/Amazon? Or buy from a parts store e.g. O'Reilly's? Or can I get better quality parts from a different online source (between the price of cheapest on ebay and local parts store)?

I do not mind buying quality parts, but the current mileage has me thinking get the cheapest. The engine is good and the transmission is good although it has a slight hesitation shifting.

So, what would you do?

Thanks for any advice!

 

I would buy the "cheapest" quality parts. Buy a brand you're familiar with, not something that fell off the back of a truck.

 

Specifically for the suspension, I'm pretty sure Honda OEM stuff is fairly cheap (or at least just the struts are). I'd honestly go OEM as much as you can so you don't have to worry about anything for a good while. I've used OEM stuff for my brother's 2008 Civic and haven't had any issues. I've had friends use aftermarket wheel bearing on other cars and have run into premature failures. I can vouch for O'Reilly's brakes, never had any issues on my or friend's cars and I think they come with a warranty.

TLDR: Try for OEM on suspension and wheel bearings if possible. O'Reilly's is a good option for brakes.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

 

Update: (2006 Civic, 1 owner, garage kept, 220,000 miles) bought for my daughter's first car from friend for $500

Took the car to my mechanic to give a rundown on things it needed.
I Ordered:
-Brake discs & pads all around & I expect I will need some new calipers that I will order from OReily's as needed.
-Shocks/Struts (with springs already installed) all around

I expect to pay 25% in parts compared to what the mechanic quoted to do everything.

Once I get the parts in, I plan to jack up car, remove tires, wire brush & spray penetrating oil on all bolts/nuts. Let that sink/soak in for 24 hours. spray a few more times in between. Apply heat before attempting to remove.

I am fairly handy. But the rusted and frozen bolts are always an issue when I start these kinds of projects here in MI. My son drives a 08 Accord. I have replaced all the brakes and front shocks/struts on the Accord. did a lot of cutting. I'd prefer to do more prep and save on the cutting etc. I remember breaking a bolt head off removing a caliper bracket. Big pain!

There is also a whine in the transmission that my mechanic diagnosed as likely a bearing in the transmission. He replaced the transmission fluid because it needed to be done. All wheel bearings are fine. With that in mind and used cars in short supply, I am already saving for a new or rebuilt tranny. The car is in good shape otherwise. I just hope the bearing holds out. Good thing the Camry tranny's seem to be readily available. I would expect that job to be in the 2-3K range??

Thoughts?
Happy Thanksgiving to all TW!

 

RockAuto has good parts at reasonable prices.

The only knock I have against RA is the shipping costs.

FWIW, cheap parts are not cheap. IMHO, you end up doing the same job twice. The second time with good parts. So, the long savings isn't there.

 

You said it is a Civic but are considering a transmission from a Camry, is that an upgrade?