Control arm

[Tom K]

First of all, relatively speaking I'm a complete newbie when it comes to car
mechanics.
I went for an alignment at a local dealer's shop and they told me I need a
new control
arm for the right wheel...$350 canadian!
Is that a necessary repair?  Plus, is it possible he's just trying to screw
me?
I might also be needing new shocks in the front, so with the total bill
around $1000,
I'm seriously considering trading it in for a new SE-R.
Thanks

Tom
'95 200 sx se-r