A book or story that is currently contemporary would be aware that Bush is president, that people are dying in a war in Iraq that has been going on for some time and that American Idol is influencing music being played on CD's or by downloads.
But just how long can your expect these tailbone-saving gadgets to last? The short answer? Experts recommend replacing shocks every 50,000 miles (80,467 kilometers), but a great deal depends on how you treat your vehicle's suspension. Are you logging all those miles on the placid interstate, or are you off-roading on winding dirt roads through the untamed wild?
I would get a few more estimates, as replacing shocks and struts is not extremeley hard. Ever better, if you have a mechanically inclined friend that can work on cars go buy a service manual for your car, the correct parts, and a 12 pack of his favorite beer, then spend a saturday fixing your car.