New Parts or Second Hand (Scrappy) - What to do?
New Parts or Second Hand (Scrappy) - What to do?
Author
Discussion

Mikeyplum

Original Poster:

1,646 posts

198 months

Wednesday 4th May 2011
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So was driving the shed (Fiat Seicento Sporting on a V plate) yesterday and noticed that under braking, it would squirm and dip on the front passenger side. Got it home and jacked it up and noticed that the shock was covered in grease (looks like the seal has gone).

Now the dilemma, I have been quoted £25 for a replacement strut (spring included) from a local breakers which is very reasonable. However, I have also sourced a brand new pair of Monroe front shocks for a little over £60. So do I scrounge back the pennied and get the scrapped part only for it to do exactly the same thing a week later (potentially) or bight the bullet and fork out for a new set for peace of mind? I'm more inclined to buy new for two reasons. 1) Warranty, longevity etc, 2) I'm under the believe that all replacement parts on axles should be done in pairs (e.g. brakes, suspension, bushes, etc).

Whats your views PH?

Cheers thumbup
Mikey

acricha3

146 posts

235 months

Wednesday 4th May 2011
quotequote all
Always replace active components in pairs (brakes, shocks, tyres) as they work with each other and any imbalance soon makes itself felt.

Also £60 for a pair of dampers isn't a great cost in the grand scheme of things, chances are if one went the other may not be far behind as its similar age and has probably taken the same abuse over its life!

Plus if you do replace you may be pleasantly surprised in the improvement in ride and handling. Its quite scary how dampers deteriorate over mileage!

Mikeyplum

Original Poster:

1,646 posts

198 months

Wednesday 4th May 2011
quotequote all
acricha3 said:
Always replace active components in pairs (brakes, shocks, tyres) as they work with each other and any imbalance soon makes itself felt.

Also £60 for a pair of dampers isn't a great cost in the grand scheme of things, chances are if one went the other may not be far behind as its similar age and has probably taken the same abuse over its life!

Plus if you do replace you may be pleasantly surprised in the improvement in ride and handling. Its quite scary how dampers deteriorate over mileage!
Agreed! smile

New pair of shocks on their way smile

Riknos

4,701 posts

233 months

Wednesday 4th May 2011
quotequote all
My word you must be desperately tight with your money to even consider a second hand item when it's £60 for a brand new pair! That's only one night out drinking for the sake of never having to worry about the shocks every again on your car...

bazking69

8,620 posts

219 months

Thursday 5th May 2011
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Shocks? New. No question.

paolow

3,261 posts

287 months

Thursday 5th May 2011
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friction parts - buy new, 'static' parts get from the scrappy

IanMorewood

4,309 posts

277 months

Thursday 5th May 2011
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Bits that keep you in touch with the road/make you stop new always (if available) other bits on a shed 2nd hand isn't a problem.

davepoth

29,395 posts

228 months

Thursday 5th May 2011
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£5 more for brand new? you'd be mental not to really.

chrisr29

1,272 posts

226 months

Thursday 5th May 2011
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What's wrong with second hand?

Dunno why people are so against them, after all if you buy a second hand car it comes with second hand brakes, shocks, tyres etc.


Mikeyplum

Original Poster:

1,646 posts

198 months

Friday 6th May 2011
quotequote all
chrisr29 said:
What's wrong with second hand?

Dunno why people are so against them, after all if you buy a second hand car it comes with second hand brakes, shocks, tyres etc.
This was my mentality at first, especially as the car in question is a £500 shed! laugh

But for the extra couple of quid, might as well go new!

if it was something more expensive, then second hand would definitley be my first port of call!!