Occasionally see used coil overs for sale. Since they are such a wear and abuse item, is this just a bad idea? Seems risky to save a few (albeit large) $
Thoughts?

 

I picked up a set of JRZ's from this forum and the installer went to put them on and noticed 2 of them wouldn't compress properly. Do I regret it? Don't know yet, the guy rebuilding them is not quite finished and I haven't received the invoice yet

 

You would have to address this on a case by case base, you may find a set of coilovers used for 1k miles and save hundreds, I wouldn't buy 30k mile coilovers from near the sea or anything like that but you can find some great deals on used items here on the forums.

 

I picked up a set of used Bilstein PSS9's. I sent them back to Bilstein in SoCal and for $125 each, they were fully rebuilt. Well worth it for me as it ended up being about 50% of the cost of a new set.

 

depends. i have not seen any used set of coilovers on this forum worth buying. they all look beat up and people want stupid money for them and they find guys who are dumb enough to pay 2200 for used Bilsteins when you can get new ones for 2350 LOL...

 

Are you talking about PSS10's and from where?

 

Bought used PSS9's for $1000. Had them inspected and installed by BBI. Couldn't be happier!

 

I'm also curious where they sell the 996TT version of the PSS10 for $2350...

 

I bought a used set of Moton Clubsports 2 way adjustables with 3000 miles on them for half price. They've been on my car for 3 years and have been trouble free.

 

Bought used pss9 plus droplinks on eBay for 1200. Had them inspected/installed/balanced and it has been fantastic.

 

I bought my JICs second hand and the transaction was less than perfect... I have had them on for 2 years no issues, but had to source some missing parts and they were a little rough where someone used a screwdriver to tighten the rings...

Best to have very good pics and verify all parts are there or better yet see them in person! I probably would have passed if I would have seen them up-front.

It all worked out though and I saved a few grand!

 

It's a total roll of the dice. You probably have a 50/50 chance of an ideal outcome. Unfortunately a problematic set may wipe out any purchase savings and then some with installation, rebuild, reinstallation, etc. I did it and if done over again would buy new.

 

Given how infrequently you'll probably have to replace the coil overs, I'd probably go with new just to be sure of what I'm getting. If used, it's probably hard to tell their true condition by inspection. On the other hand, it seems that mileage is probably the best indicator of the condition of used coil overs. Unlike transmission or tires, it's probably less likely that anyone would be excessively hard on the shocks (unless they like to take their Porsche down streets filled with pot holes or go off roading ).

 

I think when I buy a set, they will be new unless I know the person selling, can verify low milage, and can see them in person. With all those criteria, not much chance I end up buying used.

 

Just bought a set of KW Manthey Coilovers via ebay

Seller owns a reputable garage in the UK

The shocks have recently been rebuilt and serviced at KW in Germany

I paid less that 1/4 of their new cost

Sounds too good to be true - I'll let you know when they arrive