I have been talking with a fairly local seller about buying his "new" hotchkis springs for my Z. For those of you with more private party purchasing experience, I just have a few questions:

1) He says the springs are "new-in-box" ... if I go look at them, can you basically tell if a spring has been installed (even for a few miles) by just looking at it? I have pics if you want to see.

2) He says he requested another copy of the receipt he originally received when he purchased the TVS kit from whatever retailer he went with. You think that a receipt is sufficient proof of authenticity?

3) He says the spring serial numbers match on all four springs, but when I called Hotchkis they said it should be like this: front springs #19830252, and rear #19930252. *shrug* ... I really want these springs and love the fact that they are within driving distance.

What does everyone think I should do? My last PM to him was this:

[I'm wondering why you say that all the spring numbers match for all four. The front springs should be #19830252, and rears should be #19930252. I called Hotchkis directly to verify this.

Also, when do you think you will receive the receipt? I'd really like to make a trip down possibly Friday afternoon and look at them, and if they are what I need I'll pick them up.

For the record, I'm not assuming you are untrustworthy by wanting to see some form of documentation. I want this sale to turn out successfully as much as you do. It just seems to be dragging on, and I'd like to get the springs on my car before it gets terribly cold.

Please respond as soon as you can]

 

I recommend that you inspect the springs before buying. You get what you get "as is." That's a risk you assume buying used.

 

You're right. I'm just like the rest of us in the respect that i don't want to get f'ed over. But since it's under $200, it's not like I'll be getting screwed on a big ticket item.

 

+1

 

I figure it'll be obvious within two seconds of looking at them whether there are 2 fronts and 2 rears in front of me rather than 4 fronts. The serial number thing is sketchy.

I hope they are authentic hotchkis.

 

Can't you buy four Hotchkis spring new for less than $200 ???

Yep .... Look here ... $169 http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/23-3950

 

That's where I was going to purchase them from originally. But I didn't say how much less than $200 I could possibly get them for from this private sale. I wouldn't have to pay for shipping either.

 

I'd rather spend a few extra dollars for new springs and shipping than have to worry about all these things that you are worried about, IMO.

 

I agree, plus if for some reason it doesn't work out for you there is a good company backing the product and you would have a warantee if the spring broke or was misformed, packaged etc...

For the few dollars difference..... I'd go with a known vendor that backs its stuff.

Now, when someone say Less than $200.... I'm thinking $175-200.

If this guy was selling them for $100 for the set .... I'd just double check the numbers very carefully then go for it. I wouldn't buy set for more than $125 from a private. jmho.

Sounds like your set on getting them from this guy. Go for it !!!

Take into consideration his delays and if you have a problem .... will you be able to reach him?

Lastly - Unless a receipt is in your name sufficient proof of authenticity would be questionable imo. So, like I said your still better of getting the real deal from a vendor that can back this and give you a receipt in your name or not worrying about such things. I've never heard anyone ask for proof of authenticity on springs. On a valuable item like coins etc... On springs, never.

100% positive eBay feedback. I think that might account for the way I look at this. ;-)

 

I totally agree. That is why I am going to look at them first since he's local, and if anything is out of the oridinary, it's not worthy my money at all. I'd gladly purchase from one of the honest retailers I have dealt with in the past for my Z parts.

I totally decided against purchasing parts that need to be shipped in a private sale. I will only consider local private sales, as in this case.

 

you're a good man I like your style!

He wants $120 for em. If someone finds the post and gets em before me, then whatev. Brand new, in box for $120 isn't bad, so that's why I'm interested.

It would be nice if people were as conscientious as I am when it comes to transaction conduct.

 

+1 man, way to many shady people out there...
spend the extra buck for mental satisfaction dude.

 

Good deal !!!!

Just check those numbers again. I think your probably all right. He just goofed the numbers.

With that last bit of info... he might be delaying to see if he can get more elsewhere. Pin him down !!!

I'm getting ready to purchase the sways and springs myself from a vendor at a great price.

Under $400 for whole thing shipped. Just have to see that paycheck and then I can get them I think.
Well, I've been telling myself that for a month. Unfortunately, I had to repipe my whole house this month
and I'm not sure if I want to spend that money really right now. First things first.

Ah, now you got me going... I'm pricing out my mods now. No worries I won't snake your purchase. I'm going to buy new this time.

 

Didn't think of that. Hmmm....

What should I say?

 

don't buy them, here is something simlar:

http://www.tein.com/counterfeit/index.html

 

I heard about that a while ago. Thank you for your concern though.

 

yo man too bad I went to Quinnipiac instead of Uconn. We coulda been buddies down there haha. Good luck with the springs, im waiting to install my tein s-techs.

 

I sold mine a few months back. Here are the pics I used. Notice the #'s on the springs. (different #'s for the front and rear)

 

Just looked up your post about an hour ago! Haha. I did a comparison of the pics he sent me and those. I'll post the three he sent to see who thinks they are authentic. They look it to my untrained eye.

 

Nothing wrong with that dude. If you're interested in getting together for a cruise or something let me know. I'm also part of Team 350Gz if you're interested in that, as well. The CT chapter was thrown together this fall, but should be official in the spring...official in the respect that we get stickaz and tee shirtZ! It's mostly a greater Boston club. But it's all the same.

I only know of one other Z on campus and that's eat_rice_Z33. He's on the forums too.