springs/shocks for mk5 jetta

[spiff]

Hi all,

Need some advise. I've been researching and trying to understand springs and shocks. By all accounts, I've been told and read that I should get shocks if I'm going to get springs. (I've ruled out coilovers because it's supposed to give a harsher ride than springs/shocks. I don't mind not having the adjustability).

So, I went to a local suspension shop and after not knowing the exact components that could fit, they tell me (after checking out) that the 2009 Jetta is a "jetta 3" and i don't have a mk5 jetta. It's equivalent to a golf 5, so the components are the same. They then recommend the eibach sportsline (springs only). I asked about shocks and they said it's not necessary.

I thought that it's recommended otherwise you get uneven wear on the stock shocks.

I currently have factory option of "sports suspension and 18" rims" which drops the car 15mm (not enough for me). It's a 2009 1.4 tsi with dsg. The car also has a towbar fitted at factory.

I want a lower ride - little or no gap, but not until the fender covers the top of the wheel - and a more stable ride. I don't go to the race track.

So, questions are.

1. do i need shocks? should i get them?
2. do i need to take the towbar/towing into consideration?
3. is $920 aud a good price for eibach sportsline + whiteline rear sway bar installed? (i asked abt the springs and was quoted 920. i then asked about the rsb and was told, 'oh, we can include that'.. makes me think the 920 for springs only is expensive to begin with if they can include rsb as an afterthought).
4. the shop only has eibach for my jetta. i'm also looking at other brands as alternatives. what other common alternatives are there for a mk5 jetta 1.4 tsi (apparently, not the same weight as the 2.0 tfsi, so i hv to look out for that)

thanks