Coupe GT bushings question

[Chris Hall]

I took my car in to hopefully be aligned today (mainly because the two
bolts on the plate at the end of the steering rack are loose, which
makes for pretty sloppy steering and well, no alignment).  But of
course, the guy comes out with a print out, telling me that they
couldn't align the car because (as the printout said):

 "will need lower control arms on both sides" (which in his
explination meant lower control arm *bushings*)

"possibly will need cradle bushings" which when I asked if he meant
engine mounts (cause one is weak and I've never heard the term "cradle
bushings") he said "well there (maybe "they") really aren't engine
mounts" to which I looked at him like he was an idiot and said.. "uh,
do you mean *subframe* bushings?"  to which he said yes...

"lot of play in the rack n pinion" to which I replied "yeah, because
those two bolts are loose on the that plate..." and he gave me a sort
of "oh".

Then of course he tells me "we can't get any parts for your car
because it's an Audi" (local tire shop...) and suggests that maybe I
take it to "an audi dealer or somethin".

So, I'm just wondering if anyone knows either how hard it is to
replace all the bushings on your own (I didn't swap out my own trans
when I needed it done, so I'm thinking I'm not the one to be dropping
an entire subframe) or what you think it should cost (chicago area) to
have it done?  Years ago I remember having some tie rod ends, a ball
joint or two, some strut inserts and some bushings replaced at my
favorite mechanic, and it was something like $800-$1000 (might have
had something else done... can't remember).

I also want to know... I know the poly bushings give a "harder ride"
blah blah blah but will they last 3 times longer that the damn rubber
/ steel ones that are standard on the car?  If I own this thing for
another 20 years (haha) I don't want to ever have to replace them
again... :)

Thanks