Particularly through mid-90s (just don't Know.. yet - if QC dropped a bit after ~95?) Japanese assembled cars, more especially the Yuppie-grade: were best-assembled anywhere in the world; ditto materials (generally).

In particular the 'shocks' == actually "Mc Pherson struts" == that 'tower' that bolts into those bumps above the F. wheel-well? which you see on opening hood: are particularly trouble-free to well past 100K miles. That's "generally"; if you have a mining claim and drive 70 mph over dirt roads, well - -

'Squeaks' can.. be traced to something as simple as (not ALL the rubber bushings!) - sometimes the cylindrical-shaped ones which hold the "anti-roll bar" in place / these may be rubber or more often, a plastic compound. Those can be lubed (dunno the preferrd lube). Sometimes without removal; other times: a couple bolts per each "cushion"-holder. You can see this 'bar' from under the car, even if you're not very auto-tech savvy.

Maybe a specialty alignment/frame shop will give you straighter poop than a all-trades mechanic?

What you seem to be getting are 'estimates' to make boat payments ;-) sorta like an AMA Doctor who doesn't know what you have, but has a Techno-name anyway: "non-specific vaginitis" / here: fill this Rx and call me next week..


Luck; it's a crap shoot on such diagnoses. As you've found.

moi

PS - I've followed similar tales re my car and similar (a '94), as led to some analyses of worldwide 'QC' - hence my comments on the unlikelihood that your year/model would need much in the way of suspension repairs, from "normal wear". Accidents = another matter.