Shock/Strut Recommendations for Vibe and ES330? Options

[narly_charley]

Hey guys, figured I'd make a thread to find out what you guys think (from experience). I've only installed KYB struts on my 7th gen, so those are the only ones I have experience with. I plan on driving my Pontiac Vibe (2003) and Lexus ES330 (2004) till the wheels fall off (nice not having a car payment).

They both have 160K-ish miles and they are riding on factory suspension. I plan on getting new struts/shocks next year and installing them and keeping the old springs (they have settled at a nice height).

Do you guys have any recommendations?

[Bitter]

I just put KYB's on the front of my Mazda, I bought them a while back on closeout from RockAuto for like $30 each+shipping. Rides fantastic but that's coming from 150K 20yr old struts which were well worn with ample dive and roll. Don't forget to change the top mounts/bearings too, the rubber up there wears out and the bearings get crusty. Often they're OK but it's not expensive to change and you're in there anyway. See if you can find ride height specs for the car so you can check if the springs are sagged, if they are then see about complete assemblies from Moog or KYB.