are the struts ok? maybe one is leaking

 

that's a possibility! thanks for bringing it up

but would the one that's leaking (lower) also hang not as low as the other not leaking strut? hmm...

 

Blown dampers do not cause the car to sit lower.

Dampers are suppose to dampen the spring motion, not support the weight of the car.

However, if you have blown damper on one side, the spring on that side will be oscillating much more. This will cause the spring to sag due to fatigue and make the car sit much lower.

If you have the original springs from 2000, then it's time for new suspension.

This happened to one side of my rear and the tire on that corner was actually rubbing the fender when going over a bump.

 

I found the cause! finally! the right lower arm is bent upwards. I already ordered a new set.