clank & thunk revisited

[david.becker@lw.com]

     Using some very helpful responses to my last post to the list, I 
     brought my battle-scarred 4kS back to the mechanic who loused up its 
     brakes.  (Forget to replace retaining clips.)  He's gonna fix 'em, but 
     he also informed me that my strut bearings are shot, which I've 
     suspected for a while from the variety of clanks and thunks I hear 
     while driving the hiedously maintained streets of D.C.  
     
     To replace the struts, he quoted me a price of $666.  (Ominous number, 
     no?)  The question is this:  am I getting fleeced?  I have nothing to 
     compare it to, but this shop (Van Ness Auto Care) has a reputation for 
     being unduly expensive.  I'm quite willing to take the car elsewhere 
     for a better price or more reliable service.  Any suggestions for 
     reliable audi mechanics/dealer shops in or around NW D.C. would be 
     greatly appreciated.
     
     On an unrelated subject, I replaced my timing belt roughly 1000 miles 
     ago after it failed.  Engine performance appears to have suffered 
     slightly--hard to tell.  But there has *definitely* been a drop in gas 
     mileage, from 300-330 a tank to 270-275 a tank.  (Neither is great on 
     a 15.9 gallon tank, but hey, they're all city miles).  What gives?!
     
     Gracias for any suggestions,
     Dave
     
     P.S.  Saw a mint-condition pearl 200TQ yesterday near my 
     house--gorgeous.  Belong to anyone here?