Bill Gates drives a Ford Focus when he doesn’t want to be identified in public. If he went to the store in one of his other vehicles he’d draw attention.
So we’re talking about an upsell here . . .
Anyways, can you please post pictures of the struts
And no offense, but you know the car and have gotten used to it.
What seems “fine” to you may not seem that way to some stranger who’s unfamiliar with your vehicle
I might drive your car and think it’s fine . . . or I might agree your struts are blown out
I had a vehicle come in on the hook because a worn out strut caused the spring to break and a piece of the spring went into the tire.
Tester
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Most people aren’t opposed to saving money; however, did you finish the strut replacement job on your Toyota that you started 6 weeks ago?
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I was hoping to finish working on the Corolla this weekend, but the drive shafts won’t arrive until Tuesday 02/25. I am working on my Daewoo today, and tomorrow. At least the parts for that car have arrived.
I’m thinking maybe 10% of owners might be able to replace their struts on their own. Max.
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Many people aren’t comfortable being without a vehicle(s) for more than a day or two. If a car needs an axle boot during a strut replacement, the axle boots be replaced in an hour.
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What would you pay for labor to replace a starter in a Daewoo? 
Hope you get one of your cars back together this weekend. Sucks to be without transportation.
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Get the struts (shocks) replaced. After 20 years, many things on a car could benefit from replacement.
Get a 2nd quote from a different garage. Times when I’ve had shocks.struts replaced, I usually get all 4 done for around $1000 tops.
It is usually 4.5 to 5.0 hours of labor plus wheel alignment, they must be using really cheap parts to replace four struts for $1000.
Here’s a question for the OP- how long would you like to keep your car? If you’re selling it this year, then it’s probably not worth new struts. But if it’s a few years, I’d replace them. Get another bid from a good independent shop, see what they say.
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You asked how long I would like to keep my car. I actually could purchase a new car now, however I am a senior female, mostly driving fairly close to home. So I was thinking I would just keep the car for awhile. I’ve also wondered about getting used to all the features on a new car. Although I know additional air bags, etc. would be an added safety feature in a new car.
I’ve read all the replies here and I see people mention a wheel alignment that seems to go along with getting shocks and struts replaced. I did ask the car shop at the time (independently owned, but has fairly high reviews, and lots of business) and they said they don’t do alignments. So would an alignment be something to do if I did get new shocks and struts?
New cars aren’t that hard to get used to. The basic functions are still the same as the
Corolla you drive now. There are additional features that you might like. If you buy a new car the salesman may explain them to you and might pair your cell phone to the car for you. Also, all the features are described in the owner’s manual. Take it a little bit at a time and you’ll get used to it.
A new car would have a lot of standard safety features you would most likely appreciate
And the car itself would probably get significantly better gas mileage than your 2004 Corolla
No offense intended 
Not only more airbags but many things once you get used to them you will wonder why you waited . Backup camera - Adaptive cruise control - auto climate - memory seats - heated seats - heated steering wheel
Yes you can live without those but maybe a little pleasure is deserved.
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You asked what kinds of shop this is. It is independently owned, with several mechanics. I found it be doing research after my long time shop owner elsewhere retired do to health issues. They do seem to be more expensive that my previous shop, however have good reviews, appear compentent and are busy. If I were to get this work done, should an alignment also be done? When I asked them about an alignment at the time, they indicated they don’t do alignments there.
Yes, the alignment should be checked / adjusted after the new struts. That’s why it’s good to have a local shop that specializes in suspension/alignment. (They’ll often have “alignment” in the name of the business. E.g. one of the long-standing locals around me is called “Bob’s Wheel Alignment.” Although they do most any kinds of work, that is the specialty.) A shop like that can do the struts and the alignment.
As for getting a new car - as much as we can all revel in new features of convenience and safety, it just sounds like you’re mostly not driving much and just locally for the basics. If it were me, on a retirement budget, no matter how secure, across the board this Corolla costs you peanuts to own and drive. (And contra one comment about fuel economy - it’s VERY economical on fuel). No car payment, far lower insurance payments than something new, and far lower personal property tax,if that’s applicable. (I’m in Virginia where it is applicable).
If I was retired with light driving needs, I’d rather keep that money for other things like travel and grandkids (if applicable) or whatever else. Simple transportation needs means keep the transportation simple - IMHO.
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I’m not saying a 2004 Corolla isn’t economical
But many newer cars that are bigger get better fuel economy
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Of these features, only the backup camera is really useful, however for passenger vehicles, it’s really only needed because design changes have made it much harder to see out the rear window. On older vehicles, you can simply turn your head around prior to backing up, and check the mirrors while backing up. Current models have large blind spots. And of course, trucks and SUVs have reached cartoonish proportions.
Now on my work truck, which is a cargo van with no rear window, the backup camera has been really useful.
Hehe, my daughter at age 16 replaced her rear struts twice (long story lol), with my help of course…