Do I need to replace both rear shock absorbers if only one is broken?

I had my 2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 serviced yesterday. The garage told me that the rear N/S shock absorber needs to be replaced (£186). As the car has only done 36,000 miles, and isn't used to carry heavy loads, is that reasonable for such relatively low mileage? Also, the garage advised having both rear shock absorbers replaced at the same time (£372). Is that necessary if only the N/S one is leaking?
Damper failure on small VAG cars is common, but you don't have to pay £186 to replace it. The part itself is less than £40. Find an independent VAG specialist to get the part and do the job. On a car like a Polo, replacing just the one shock absorber should be fine.
Answered by Honest John on

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