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How to Buy a Set of Custom Performance Shocks

How to · Auto

How to Buy a Set of Custom Performance Shocks

Get your custom performance shocks and struts installed right without wrecking your monthly cash flow.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $66.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Upgrading your suspension changes how the car handles every corner and bump in the road. A full set of custom performance shocks and struts runs about $1200, and that is before you factor in alignment and installation labor. Spring is usually the best time to watch for manufacturer rebate events that can shave a bit off the total cost.

We need to separate haggling over the parts price from how you actually pay for it. Get your best price from the shop or parts dealer first, and then figure out the payment plan. A financing window is just a tool to spread out the blow, not an excuse to spend money you do not have.

Remember that the intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when those 18 months run out, the regular interest rate kicks in on what is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for spring rebates

    Major suspension brands usually run rebate promotions in the spring as driving season starts up. Keep an eye on parts sites so you do not buy right before a price drop or mail-in offer goes live.

  2. 02

    Get the out-the-door price

    Ask for a total quote that includes the parts, tax, mounting hardware, and the mandatory alignment afterward. Do not let the shop surprise you with extra labor fees after they put the car on the lift.

  3. 03

    Set up your payment window

    We can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That breaks the $1200 cost down into about $66.67 per month over that 18-month intro window on purchases.

  4. 04

    Book the install

    Make sure your mechanic knows if you are bringing your own parts or buying through them. Some shops will not warranty customer-supplied parts if they fail prematurely.

  5. 05

    Schedule your alignment

    New shocks and struts mean your suspension geometry is going to shift. Get a four-wheel alignment done immediately after the install so you do not chew through a brand-new set of tires in five thousand miles.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I really need an alignment after replacing shocks?

Yes, absolutely. Even if the parts look identical to the factory units, unbolting them shifts your camber and toe angles. Skip the alignment and you will ruin your tires fast.

Should I buy shocks online or through the shop?

Buying online can save you money if you catch a sale, but shops often markup parts because they stand behind the warranty. Ask your mechanic if they will match online pricing before you order.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can void your promotional rate and trigger late fees. Set up autopay for at least the minimum so you stay on track.

Are performance shocks too stiff for daily driving?

It depends on the brand and whether you get adjustable dampers. Look for street-oriented kits rather than track-only setups if you want to keep your spine intact on rough city commutes.