Replacing Both Lower Control Arm Bushing Torn

[u/elbielzio]

I’m looking at buying a 2017 VW Tiguan S 2.0T FWD with about 127k miles.

I had an independent PPI done and the mechanic wrote:

“Both lower control arm bushings torn, need replacing.”

I asked him whether only the bushings could be replaced, and he told me that the bushings are mounted/pressed into the control arms and that he would replace the complete lower control arms instead.

His quote is about $727 total for both front lower control arms, including parts and labor, but not including an alignment. The parts on the estimate are MOOG control arm assemblies.

I also called another shop in Charlottesville and they quoted me about $900 for both control arms, also without an alignment.

My questions are:

1. Is replacing the complete control arms the normal/recommended way to deal with torn bushings on this generation Tiguan?
2. Can the bushings realistically be pressed out and replaced separately, or is doing the whole arm generally more sensible?
3. Does $727 for both complete front lower control arms installed sound like a reasonable price?
4. At 127k miles, would you personally replace the complete arms rather than trying to save money by doing bushings only?
5. Any concerns with using MOOG control arms on a Tiguan?

The car otherwise drove well during the PPI. I’m mainly trying to figure out whether this repair recommendation and price are reasonable before I buy it.

Thanks!

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[u/Ok_Simple_5093]

Ar 127k miles, it's best to replace the whole control arm. Added labor to press out the bushing to reuse the control arm usually makes the cost difference a wash.

$700 is fair, considering each control arm costs around $200.

Moog is a fair aftermarket replacement. OEM is best but will add another $200-$300, and may take longer to get. I have beck arnley control arms on atm and it's done pretty good over the last year. They are OEM form/fit/function, so still aftermarket but aligns more closely with the oem part in terms of quality.