my parents have a 2004 Kia Optima, they just had new front and rear struts done on it last month at nearly 700 bucks, all 4 factory struts were pissing oil out of them, the car rode like a train. 5 years old and they were smoked. no matter what brand you go with, el chepo's or top dollar, something will always happen and it can at any point. my buddy harry has a 2007 chrome edition ford f-150, its been to the dealer for a blown ac line, leaky water pump, power steering leak, and the huge one a front end fire due to a caliper freezing up, burnt the pass side nose and half the engine bay harness, my point is, its all made by someone, its mechanical, a cheap shock can last 10 years or 10 days, as well as anything. certain mechanical things i buy as cheap as possible, if i get my money's worth i am fine.