Worth Upgrading Shocks on an Older Vehicle?

I want to upgrade my entire shocks system because they're dead and make noises (not crazy but noticeable). I was told from others that as a rule of thumb is to not pay for repairs/parts/services for the vehicle more than what it's worth. Using Kelly Blue Book, my car is worth on $4000 average($3000-$5000 range). Is it worth spending the extra mile for expensive shocks or saving some money with cheaper shocks? I don't want to cheap out on parts yet at the same time I don't want to spend so much money on a old and High mileage car. Also I'm a college student, this is my first car I saved up and bought, so I want to make this car survive until I graduate and be able to find a steady income job.

Honda Accord 2006 EX-L V6 Sedan w/ 166, xxx miles
- Expensive quick shocks calls for $800 after taxes ($170 a piece).
or
$430 quick shocks after taxes ($100 a piece).

-Can't forget an alignment as well ($90)

- This doesn't include labor so I'll have to expect to pay $1000 or above. At that point that's a quarter of what the car's worth.

This is my daily so Any insight or advice would be helpful.

Heck, I just spent almost double what my car cost for steering, shocks, tires.

But, I don't mind maintaining my vehicles and have been getting 300+ thousand miles for almost nothing compared to a new vehicle (off of couple hundred dollar used vehicles with few minor issues).

I also like having a car that handles well.

Just because it's a cheaper car doesn't mean you should ignore routine maintenance, but at the same time there's no point in fitting top of the line parts to it. A reasonable set of aftermarket shockies will last you several years and while they may not be the last word in quality, will be better/safer than running worn out units. When running an older car, don't think of repair costs in terms of % of the car's value. Think of it as a cost to own an operate your vehicle. If all you spend on this car this year (other than fuel, registration, insurance and services) is $1000, then that is cheap motoring. A new car owner will lose several thousand bucks just in depreciation, so running cost is not just about how many parts you throw at a car. If this Honda has a quiet, smoke free motor/trans and you keep up the services and buy parts as needed, it'll last you the next 10 years, never mind graduation.

You are seeing expensive quotes. Get some cheapo struts. It will last until you it is time for a newer vehicle. You can always SELL the car now and let the new owner fix the issues.

I'm thinking you need to find someone who can do the work for less. And/or buy used parts.

Vcbnx

Rules like not spend more than car is "worth"
are for people who can afford new

what you need to do is what you do, in you situation I would fix it - have independent shop do the repair not OEM shop - buy the base units new that will be fine

as for when you get out of school get a job.
not until you work for some time save at least 50% (I suggest 90%) of the cost of what you want to buy

too many grads have the misconception they will find a great job right off

sty out of debt even when you get a job

You would be surprised what it would cost to replace the car, if your car is dependable and runs good why not? I'm driving a 34 year old Toyota Pick up and I refuse to replace it, I take care of it myself since it was new in 87.

Id go with the cheaper shocks if i were you.

Yes, relatively cheap, easy to do. Cheaper than buying a new car, right? Do NOT, take off the retention strap, before instillation!

If it passes inspection as is, I say do without, if not, go with cheaper shocks, they are easy to install, I would watch a you tube video on your make and model and do it yourself. You would be surprised how easy they are to install.