What to look for when buying used coilovers?

[rps13_fastback]

Ok guys if you had the chance to save hundreds and hundreds of dollars from buying a USED coilover set, would you do it or would you avoid buying used coilovers alltogether? I want to buy a set of JICs and the seller says they're in great condition with relatively low milage. Is there a way to check if the shocks are still good? Also how much does it typically cost to have your shocks revalved? Where would I send the JICs to get them rebuilt and how much would it cost? My main question is checking to see if the shocks are still good so if someone can answer that question I'd really appreciate it. Thanks

[Raine]

Try http://www.jic-magic.com/contactus.htm and ask them about most of your questions re: revalving, etc.

Also find out why they're selling them - if your car is daily driven, some coilovers setups are way too stiff to be using on regular streets. as for testing, I dunno - try taking the springs off and pushing the shock in? The only good way I could think of is by driving a car with the actual coilovers you're going to buy ON the car... if he's legit I don't see why $100 deposit wouldn't hurt to try them on your own car for a day or 2 (refundable; get it in writing!)

:)

[Maeda]

Dousan 'coilover masta' 's rule of thumb to buying used coilovers- Don't.

If they've been put through any abuse i'd just walk away. Revalving is an option but its pricey I hear. And by pricey I mean too expensive for me to make with one of my paychecks.

[rps13_fastback]

Hmm yea I know I should stay away. What if I can get em for dirt cheap though? Seller says they're in good condition also. If they turn out blown, I can just resell them for whatever I got them for or even more (of course I will tell the buyer the actual condition). But is there any other ways to check if they're good or not??

[Maeda]

I guess it really comes down to how cheap is dirt cheap

^_^

[rps13_fastback]

~$300 well i guess it isn't really dirt cheap considering how costly they are to rebuild. so basically there's absolutely NO way of telling other than taking off the spring and pressing them in to see how fast the shock comes up? also if you do that, how do i know how fast or slow it has to be to be good or blown?

[GreyFox]

If they're blown and ur selling them... arn't u just being a dick like the guy who sold em to ya?

Also... not everyone is gona jump on used coilovers....

I suggest u put a deposit down and test them out on your car..

300 is cheap for coilovers.... but did u ever stop to think why he's sellin them for 300?

Also think about it... when u buy coilovers over shocks/springs... what costs the most out of the package? springs? shocks? housing?

depending on whats "shot" I'd prob stay away...

cheap now... with repairs.... not cheap after

[rps13_fastback]

GreyFox... ummm, I said I would fully disclose the condition they're in.. :rolleyes:

$300 plus the cost of rebuilding, they would be practically brand new no? I would say that's a damn good price. Well of course depending on the cost to rebuild them. I'm guessing $100-200 each shock? So total cost is between $700-1100.

[chokudoriS13]

Originally posted by rps13_fastback
GreyFox... ummm, I said I would fully disclose the condition they're in.. :rolleyes:

$300 plus the cost of rebuilding, they would be practically brand new no? I would say that's a damn good price. Well of course depending on the cost to rebuild them. I'm guessing $100-200 each shock? So total cost is between $700-1100.

AFAIK, rebuilds are about $75 per shock. JIC won't rebuild JDM-spec coilovers, but if they're US-spec, go for it. Even with rebuilds, it will cost you $600 for a set of JIC's. My Tein's were $600 used, and I love them to pieces :D.