i had fitted my front wif apm absobers after 3 months again the bugger leaking at both the fronts the back still never change from the thime the car buy alredy 24 years ..... like no shocks only now ... every where i drive in kl like dirt rally the lower arm always knock the engine under carriege.... dam bad lah the apm i bought for 150 per piece how much the other brands.... mine the absober can change the shaft only got screw to tighten on top of shaft for changing.... the other brands can masuk huh?
It's difficult to judge how long the shox will last coz it also depends on how you drive the car, bro. If you drive like a WRC driver, then I'm afraid it won't last very long; no matter what brand.
There are other brands like Paraut (Jpn), Kayaba, Monroe & 1 more American brand, I forgot its name that has the "inserts" you were talking about. You don't have to change the whole unit; just the inserts.
Just a word of caution, it's very dangerous to drive to shox that no longer works, bro.
If you want shox that lasts, then get coilovers or adjustables; they call it. They definately lasts longer than standard shox a lot.