On Apr 5, 1:49 pm, martin lynch <odiegoo...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I was quoted $600 to have both front ball joints replaced on my 2001
> Civic (price also includes wheel alignment, which I'm told would be
> necessary with the job). I live in Buffalo, NY.

Buffalo has snow and salt galore. (You're hardy!) Eight years of
driving in these and I can see the ball joints needing replacement. Go
ahead and get the second opinion. Or google and see how you can put
the front of the car on jackstands, grasp the wheels and pull and push
on them and do a cursory inspection.