Purchasing used suspension from OS

[noone]

I'm interested in some suspension for sale that is used.

Its a KW coilover kit.

The seller claims that the suspension is in good condition and was only on the car for 30K kms, but I don't really have a way of knowing for sure.

Any opinions on possible issues buying used KW's?

Is this suspension serviceable and if so, any idea on a cost to have it done locally?

[Tim]

I wouldnt do it.
Saving 1 dollar now will just end up costing you 2 dollars later.

[Lorenz]

Pretty sure they would be servicable, but I wouldnt risk it.
New suspension from the US is cheap enough as it is (well compared to buying over here).
Even though you wouldnt get the warranty, you would be better off with buying new at least.

[team_v]

Pretty sure they would be servicable, but I wouldnt risk it.
New suspension from the US is cheap enough as it is (well compared to buying over here).
Even though you wouldnt get the warranty, you would be better off with buying new at least.

ECS-Tuning have most suspension parts that you could need and prices are cheaper than anywhere else i can find.

[Tim]

one thing to consider with second hand parts is how quarantine will treat them if they dont come through customs nice and clean. Most likely not a problem but you do open yourself to risk.

[rayray086]

I would think after bringing them in, then servicing them will end up being very close to the cost of buying a new set. My mate needs a new pair of H&R coil springs for his coilover and a local joint quoted him $300 per I think it was...

[gareth_oau]

try www.tirerack.com they have pretty good pricing and a range of alternatives. their shipping costs are probably around US$100

not for your car, but as an example :

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/Susptabl.jsp?autoMake=Volkswagen&autoModel=Golf+GLS&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&brand=&category=CoilOver

KW V1s for US$1200 plus delivery (allow $100)

an ex UK example is :

for example: http://www.dpmperformance.co.uk/polo...1935_2041.html offering about 25 different coilover choices from £290 to £1240

Postage is a bit more expensive ex UK.

If you are still keen on the secondhand ones, ask the seller to get them inspected by a KW agent and to provide an independent report on their condition, and maybe even get them serviced if needed (cost to be discussed between you and seller)

[noone]

I drive a Polo, there are no Polo's in USA, thus no Polo suspension from USA.

The cost of new landed would be around 2500, I could get these for less than 1/2.

Appreciate all the feedback.

[Treza360]

The problem you have here is that if you get the shocks and they're bent, busted or whatever than you're pretty much up the creek without a paddle, same goes for springs. Also there are no official KW servicers in the country last I heard. I believe that V1s and/or V2s use a Koni or Bilstein damper so you might be ok but still, I don't believe it is worth the risk.

At least if they're local, or you know the seller you can inspect them. Or take them on their word (as much as you can).

Cheers,
Trent

[Servo]

Don't you already have coilies in yours? Which model of the KW's are you looking into buying?

The KW supplier quoted $2100 for the V1's and $2700 for V2.

[h100vw]

I drive a Polo, there are no Polo's in USA, thus no Polo suspension from USA.

The cost of new landed would be around 2500, I could get these for less than 1/2.

Appreciate all the feedback.

Damian at DPM is a good lad to deal with. I have bought from him before.

Gavin

[noone]

Don't you already have coilies in yours? Which model of the KW's are you looking into buying?

I have coilovers (AP Coilovers). They are street-style, uprated from stock but I would like to get my suspension as quality as I can as I will want to track my car again soon.

There is a set of KW V2 for sale, I would prefer the V2 personally, but not sure that I would get the benefit out of the extra spend, so v1 maybe if I bought new.

[vwthunder]

Thats what you get when you buy cheap Coilovers, it will end up costing you more by the time you get KW's

I remember all your suspension threads going on about the AP's

[Servo]

There is a set of KW V2 for sale, I would prefer the V2 personally, but not sure that I would get the benefit out of the extra spend, so v1 maybe if I bought new.

I got caught up in the mono vs twin tubing and bought the b14's. They're going in on Wednesday. I can't really judge how they ride yet but for money perspective the V1 would've been suffice. But if I was you I'd definitely would buy new even if I shipped it from OS and not have warranty.

[noone]

Thats what you get when you buy cheap Coilovers, it will end up costing you more by the time you get KW's

I remember all your suspension threads going on about the AP's

There is nothing wrong with the AP's, they go low and do a good job, just not going to be the best for tracking the car. for $750 landed, I was not expecting hi-performance and IMO they do a lot better than stock or the H&R with standard shocks which many are running on. If you look on the Polo UK forum, there are quite a few sets out there and lots of positive feedback.

Anyway, rather than get defensive I'll keep on looking and still may get this suspension second hand if I feel I can trust the seller. This is the first car I've played with and I'm enjoying changing parts, settings and learning first hand how it all works and what does what. Once I have all the tools, I can take my time and make changes one-by-one and get a clearer impression of each change.