My vehicle failed safety inspection here in PA because of bad front struts. My local mechanic says the only parts he can find are dealer parts at just under $700 for the pair. Is this truly my only option? He says he can't figure out what the difference would be with my model as it's the only one he can't find replacements for. Help pleaseeeee

 

You can buy only the shock absorbers for example on ebay for $50-80 each and a for $20.
Use this video to see how to change the front struts and how to replace the shock absorbers. For about $200 and a bit of elbow grease you can replace them.