How can I tell if the front lower control arms are bad in my 1997 Toyota Tercel?

I have had the car to three garages regarding an improper inspection and then two more thorough inspections by government garages, the result was that I needed to replace my front ball joints. I had this done about three weeks ago. The inspectors told me some unrelated things to watch for in the long run, but said nothing about my control arms. I took the car to get a fuse replaced at a big chain garage and they were quick to print me off a quote and tell me my car was doomed in the next week if I didn't pay 600$ plus alignment and tax to get the control arms replaced. Does this sound fishy to you? and what would you do about it if it were your car?