Confused about whether you want to buy used coilovers and save that extra cost or get a new one just to be safe?
This is an old dilemma.
Some people are convinced that used coilovers are too risky to buy.
Others think it’s a good steal. So how do you decide?
Should You Buy Used Coilovers?
Trying to buy car parts on a low budget is a struggle.
Especially since most of them cost you a fortune if you buy new ones.
This is why buying used car parts is a common practice.
The question is, can you buy used coilovers too? Is it worth it?
Don’t rely on your gut. It would be best if you were extremely cautious in making this decision.
It is crucial to examine a few parts before making the purchase.
Look in person or take someone with good knowledge of coilovers.
It is easy to be fooled by the owner when buying used car parts.
Body damage, rust, leaking oil, pillow mounts, and poor maintenance are a few problems that might be present.
Coilovers can even be sold with incomplete parts.
These result in future expenses that make the cheap purchase as costly as a new set.
Read more: Why Are Coilovers So Expensive?
Things to Consider Before Buying Used Coilovers
Used coilovers are considerably cheaper, which might sound like a great steal.
And it’s true; they might be in good use and end up as a smart, economical purchase compared to a new set.
However, it may have irreversible damage or missing parts.
You need to look at some things carefully to make an informed purchase.
Make sure to meet the owner in person and look at the coilovers in detail.
Most importantly, have proper knowledge about them before visiting.
Visually Examine the Top Mounting Plate for Cracks and Damage
There are some irreparable damages, such as those to mounting plates.
So, this part needs to be carefully examined.
If the coilover provides pillow mounts, check for wear and intense movement.
This is important because only three items on the pillow mount are serviceable.
The rest are permanent losses. And you don’t want to have that when making a sound financial decision.
Examine the Piston Shaft of the Used Coilover
Another essential part to check is the piston shaft. A piston rod can be damaged in several ways.
Light damages like a scratch are possible to buff out. However, heavier damages may not be repaired.
A car accident resulting in the piston shaft bending is one such damage. It will need to be replaced.
Similarly, large pits or a scored piston shaft can be a problem.
A high cost will be required in the replacement of the shaft in either case.
Thus, I suggest you be vigilant and inspect the entire piston shaft.
Remember to examine the shock body and lower bracket for any damages too.
Secondly, check if the shaft has a bump stop. Additionally, look for the seals in the midsection for any potential leaks.
Check for a Damaged Coilover Thread & Collar
I suggest you run away from the purchase if the coilover thread is damaged.
They can get rough and rusted in use to the point that they lose adjustability.
It might be challenging to detect, though. The owner can be clever with this and try to put any anti-seizing to trick you otherwise.
You need to inspect it properly. Personally check if it is rough, rusted, or damaged.
If the thread is damaged in its lower part, that is an issue.
This is because the nut won’t be able to pass through it.
If it’s above on the thread, that level is not reached anyway, so the coilover can still be used.
The Overall Bottom Condition of the Coilover
The bottom section of the used coilover needs to be checked.
This is where the mounting is. Any cracks or damage will be a problem for the coilover.
On top of it, see the side of the mounting that holds the brake lines.
If it has been cut in the past, it will impact the coilover use and might fail to work in the future.
A new set is a far better option if this is the case.
Check the Damping: Seized or too Soft?
When the strings are removed from a coilover, the damper can be compressed.
Do a damping force check. You need to do it to see how well the suspension works.
It should smoothly be compressed and then come for a rebound automatically.
If it does not rebound smoothly, the seal is probably blown and requires an overhaul.
Try it at fully stiff and fully soft. There needs to be a difference in the speed of movement.
Otherwise, it will need to be repaired.
When you send the dampers for service to repair, the cost can add up to be more expensive than a new kit.
The purchase will be useless.
Is the Used Coilover Clean or Dirty
Clean coilovers give the impression that they are in a good state.
However, it might just be the opposite. If the coilover is clean and it looks like someone intentionally cleaned it, it probably is not a good sign.
Especially if certain parts are cleaner, the owner does this when they want to hide something.
Often sets that look very clean and new start leaking in a few weeks.
Be more vigilant in such cases and ask the owner questions about it to intimidate them if they lie.
If you sound confident, the owner is less likely to lie.
If the set has been freshly painted, check the receipts because it could be that the owner did this intentionally to mask flaws.
Test the Used Coilover in the Car if Possible
You can’t know for sure until you test used car parts.
This is because there are many ways of hiding damage and making used parts look new.
Internal damages are not even visible.
Before buying used coilovers, you should push for letting you test them in a car to see how it works.
To fool you, some people take it out of the car and try to sell it without testing it.
You have to persist that the owner let you try before making that purchase.
Otherwise, it could be a big regret.
Check for Corrosion
This one should be obvious. You need to look for corrosion to know how damaged the rod might be.
Light rust may not be an issue during use, but more of it can be. It can affect the damper internally.
In that case, you will need to take it to service. The damper will first be disassembled to see if any rust has gone inside.
It is considered irreparable if it does have heavy dust on the inside. Not having a dust boot also results in this issue.
The coilover will not be of much use in such a case. Thus, it will be a waste of money without any advantage.
Warranty
The biggest drawback of getting used coilovers is not having a warranty.
Warranty for coilovers is only valid for the initial buyer. If they sell it, the warranty is canceled since it is not allowed to be transferred.
Yes, even if it was new and the original warranty was nowhere near ending.
This is a massive drawback because buying a new set can get a person’s lifetime warranty or up to a million-mile warranty if the brand is good.
Giving this up is unpleasant, considering how intensely coilovers get used.
While selling used car parts, an owner tries to manipulate the buyer if they don’t have the proper knowledge.
They may try making you believe it has a warranty because it’s new, but unfortunately, that is not how it works.
How the Coilovers are Used and in What Climate
All damages are not as objective or easily noticeable. However, you will need to examine some things by knowing the coilover’s past use.
How intensely it is used and in what weather conditions have an impact on its later functioning.
For example, winters and coilovers are not a good combination.
Cold weather has considerably higher chances of causing rust and damage.
This happens due to the saltwater present on the road during winter. Saltwater makes metal rust.
If the car is being used in a place with severe winter, the coilover is probably not in the best condition.
I advise you not to buy one used in a place with intense cold.
Ask for the Mileage of the Used Coilovers
There is no way to know the actual mileage. So, this can be a tricky one.
Owners often lie about the actual mileage.
You can guess by checking the car’s mileage and when the coilover was purchased compared to the vehicle.
If coilovers are used over 15,000 miles, it means they are in for repair soon.
This is because coilovers have a particular life when it comes to mileage and needs to be rebuilt.
The service cost that buyers will have to pay will be an extra burden.
Thus, if the mileage is too much, avoid buying it.
New Coilovers is what I Recommend
So, what to do? I recommend buying a new good set of coilovers.
Sure, it sounds like a heavy purchase, but it is a good investment.
New coilovers work for an extended period, and you want to ensure it’s a valuable purchase.
It will come with a warranty, and your ride will be smooth and easy.
You have learned about all the problems you might face when buying used, cheaper coilovers.
You will probably spend a lot of time at the car service station… and a lot of money.
There is also a chance that coilovers stop working after a while because of past use.
You won’t be able to sell it then and will have to make a new purchase again. Sounds painful.
To sum it up, buying a used set is a big risk to take.
Used Coilovers Alternative: Lowering Springs
Know that coilovers are not the only option. Consider lowering springs.
If you don’t know what they are, springs are another safe and considerably cheaper way of dropping a car’s height.
While you can adjust the ride height with coilovers, it stays stuck in one position with a lowering spring.
If that is not an issue for you, lowering springs are a good substitute.
There are other pros and cons for both that you should know of.
Coilovers are considered smoother but lowering springs will do just fine as well.
Coilovers will also definitely be better for use on a track.
However, for daily driving, lowering springs are a safe alternative.
The point is, if you want to stay low on budget but get an upgrade for your car, choose lowering springs.
Buying a used set of coilovers which comes with extra costs and risks, can be a burden.
Installing coilovers is also a hassle and getting a professional for that is just another addition to the price.
If putting some extra cost for an increased level of adjustability and comfort is not an issue, then investing in a coilover will be a better option.
Just be sure to be informed and look for all potential damages and missing parts if you buy a used one.
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