Advice on shocks

[TriniAutoMart]

Good day tuners
Local 2007 Mazda 3
First time I'm changing shocks.
Is it advisable to buy original shocks out of the firm or to buy the substitute (I believe it is KYB or Kayaba that they are selling on the outside).
If I can get the substitutes a lot cheaper and they perform as good as the original then that would be great.
In that event can you also advise on where I would get a good substitute.

Thanks.

[dredman1]

I don't think it makes much sense to pay almost 3 times as much per shock for OEM over KYB.

The KYBs in my opinion performed practically identical to the OEMs in every car I owned. Check the Mazda 3 thread in the Mazda forum stickies - a few people including myself installed KYBs on their 3.

I don't recall seeing anyone having issues or complaints - I certainly don't have any.

[konartis]

you can check bobby's in bamboo, 285$ for the rear, not sure about the fronts, if you are successful, you can post it on the mazda3 thread so other can have an idea

[TriniAutoMart]

thanks for the advice. looking for the front shocks at the moment. will check the mazda 3 thread.

[punjab706]

Using kyb on mazda 3 2 months now it's the rear shocks and it performs excellent not a problem since installation

[TriniAutoMart]

i hope the kyb front shocks perform as good as the oem

[dredman1]

If you buying from Bobby's make sure its not the fake JAPKYB shocks.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=379211#p5414851

Dollar Savers has original KYB from Japan for the rear for the same $285 (about 2 or 3 buildings after Bobby's).
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=167754&start=1710#p8294488
However, they didn't have the fronts since KYB Japan apparently doesn't manufacture them. KYB Europe does though.

I got the fronts at RepuAuto in Marabella.
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=167754&p=7853756&hilit=kyb#p7853753

Automotive Supplies Company on Charles Street sell Munroe shocks as well if you like that brand.

[konartis]

what price for the fronts?