Sway bars are usually very easy to replace. A mechanic can do it in less than 10 minutes. A novice can do it in about an hour (includes reading the Haynes/Chilton manual). Depending on the car, don't get suckered into 'performance' suspension pieces unless that is your goal. If you have a corolla (or something like it), buy the generic parts (these usually come with a lifetime warranty through places like AutoZone or Advance). Installation is usually 4-6 nuts/bolts.
After replacing EVERY SINGLE SUSPENSION PIECE (Body bushings, transmount bushing, engine mounts, shocks, springs, ball joints, upgraded sway bars, travel stops.....you get the picture) on my Chevelle (see sig), I took it to Conrads (a large local chain in North East Ohio) to have it aligned. The guy put it on the rack and had all of the 'mechanics' in the shop come look at it. After about 10 minutes, the shop manager walked over to look at it. The shop manager then printed out 5 (yes FIVE) sheets of paper and walked over to me. He then proceeded to inform me that since my car is so old (1970), that most of the suspension parts will need to be replaced. He then gave me a total estimate of $1500!!! I almost busted the guy in the mouth. I told the guy that EVERY F-ING SUSPENSION PART WAS JUST INSTALLED and had less than FIVE miles on it (the distance to the shop from my garage). He then said, and I quote, "I seriously doubt that. By the looks of all the parts, they are at LEAST 20 years old." I then asked him if he happened to notice the brand new POWDERCOATING on the sway bars, coils, upper/lower A-arms (all of which were on his 'list'). He said no. Then I blew a fvcking cork!!! My Dad was trying to calm me down (didn't work) when I told the asshole to follow me to the car. I pointed out everything that was new (and was VERY obviously new). His reply was "Sorry about that, I didn't notice all the new stuff" :|:roll:
After a few expletives (ok....a LOT of expletives). I told him to get my fvcking car off the lift and that I was going somewhere else that wasn't going to screw me. He then tried to hold my car hostage because I refused to pay the $50 'inspection' fee. I told him to call the damn cops and i'd show them what he was trying to do to me (and probably others). He said he didn't care. I then proceeded to pull out my cell phone and dial information for Channel 3 News. He about sh!t his pants on the spot. Needless to say....I got my car back and an offer for a free alignment. I told him to shove the coupon up his ass.
Now, I know these guys try this on people who don't seem to know a whole lot about their cars but when a guy brings a 1970 Chevelle (that is OBVIOUSLY almost completely restored) into a shop and is dressed in greasy work clothes, wouldn't you think that the assholes would at THINK 'this guy knows something about cars...we shouldn't fvck with him'?
I feel sorry for women and guys who know nothing about cars and get raped by assholes like this.
My rule of thumb for car n00bs: If the estimate is over $150 to fix your car...get a second opinion. If you go to a big chain first, go to a reputable independant second and vica versa. If you don't know about cars, ask people you know who they use and what kind of CUSTOMER SERVICE they received. Shady mechanics usually have CRAPPY customer service.
Not trying to scare you, just trying to inform you of possibilities.
SDC
PS: I know you are short on cash but DO NOT 'fix' the sway bar. Bends in a sway bar are 'usually' so slight that you cannot see. I guarantee that the sway bar will bend again. They CAN align the car (although not PERFECTLY....but very close). You have to remember though, if you have a bad alignment, your tires WILL get toasted. You WILL pay the 'extra 200' one way or another (either tires, aligments, or sway bar). It's up to you which one.