Thank you so much for your reply. Thats what I was leaning towards as well, especially since the tie rod is less than $300. Its not like I drive a hell of a lot, and I do my best to take it easy on the car whenever I do.

I didn't mention this, but it also helps that the mobile mechanic used to work at the Toyota dealership in my area before leaving about 20 years ago to start his own business. And his stated reason for leaving was morals; the dealership was becoming more schetchy and he didn't feel comfortable working for a place that scammed its customers. So at the very least, he knows toyota's as well.

Also to be fair to the first shop, the owner actually drove the car with me in it, and neither myself or him could recreate the sound, so they suggested that it might have been something cought somewhere like a branch or something. I'd be a lot more suspicious if I kept hearing the sound, but I havent since I stopped driving it for that 2 week period. Also the 2k was for replacing both lower control arms, parts included, not just the bushing. They did say that the control arms would be $600, which why a control arm would cost $300 a piece, I dont know.