How do you guys decide on what car parts to get?

"03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST" (03mach1)
11/28/2014 at 20:47 • Filed to: None

So, I have a little bit of a dilemma. I need new shocks and struts can't decide on what to get! What do you do to make up your mind?

I'm stuck between two different shocks and struts, both have great reviews. First there's the Tokico's, just over 500 dollars. They have several adjustments, which would be really cool but I don't think I would use them much. Then there's Bilstiens, non adjustable and 600 dollars. Owners of both say they like them a lot. They are good for street use and work well with the stock springs.

Now this will be my only Christmas gift, so the prices aren't an issue. I just don't know what to do! I have two great options to choose from. I can't be the only one here to have this sort of issue before! I feel like my dad when he was deciding on exhaust.

And here's a picture of my Mach.

DISCUSSION (48)

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 20:53

I'd go with the bilsteins, Ive heard their quality is better

pip bip - choose Corrour > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 20:54

if not going to use the adjustment , i'd go with the Bilsteins

what about KYB? or Koni?

 > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 20:54

I look at all the available options and then get the cheapest ones that don't suck.

whoarder is tellurium > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 20:55

Koni Sport Yellows!!11

check out tirerack.com

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 20:55

I'd go with Koni Yellows. The adjustments aren't necessarily there to change all of the time as much as to set it how you want it. It's going to be a set it and forget it thing for like 99% of people. I think that it's worth it to be able to dial it in.

jkm7680 > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 20:55

I pay close attention to forums, and try to gauge out which parts are the post popular while still retaining the best reviews.

I'd suggest Blisteins though, but whichever one sounds the best to you is what you should get.

JasonStern911 > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 20:57

While you might be able to piece a kit together for cheap, suspensions are difficult to tune correctly and typically involve a lot of compromises. Since you own a very common car, I would go with what has been proven. When in doubt, go with the opinions of the most respected forum members.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > whoarder is tellurium
11/28/2014 at 21:03

Those were my original choice, but then the prices shot up to 700 dollars and that wasn't going to happen!

Tohru > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 21:05

Tokico Blues.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
11/28/2014 at 21:05

Those were my original choice, but they shot up to over 700 dollars and that's a little bit to much. I'd love to get them though.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > jkm7680
11/28/2014 at 21:06

That's what I've been doing. But both get an equal amount of praise. And that's the issue, they both sound great to me!

SlickMcRick >
11/28/2014 at 21:09

Somebody get's the big picture

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > Tohru
11/28/2014 at 21:09

Those are comparable to what came with these cars stock, I'd like to get more of an upgraded set up while I'm at it. Though anything is better then the worn out struts I have now.

whoarder is tellurium > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 21:10

Ok, how about something like the Eibach Sport-System kit? Includes springs with a small lowering amount too. I know how stock Mustang GTs feel and I'm sure it would help immensely.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > pip bip - choose Corrour
11/28/2014 at 21:12

That's the thing, I don't know if I would use the adjustments. With the Bilstiens it would be nice just to throw them on and have a great set up from the start.

Koni's shot up in price, they're 750 now! Well, for the adjustable set. I admittedly haven't looked at KYB to much. I'm not sure if that's a great idea if I'm having so much trouble deciding on these two.

jkm7680 > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 21:12

That's good to hear! Then go for whichever one you feel to be the best value. Adjustable is always good though.

Funktheduck > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 21:12

If they both get great reviews then I would go with the adjustable ones bc they give you options. Most people aren't going to be adjusting on a regular basis anyway. The only reason I wouldn't is if the others are better for whatever type of driving you do most.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > whoarder is tellurium
11/28/2014 at 21:15

I would love to lower my car, but my driveway is very steep and my exhaust scrapes sometimes. Any lower and I can't make it up. The Eibach kit is very well priced however.

Tohru > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 21:15

See, I'd just get used struts from the salvage yard and call it good. But I'm a cheap bastard.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > Funktheduck
11/28/2014 at 21:16

True, the more options the better. I would probably set it to a sporty feel with a nice ride. Kind of in the middle.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > Tohru
11/28/2014 at 21:18

That would be a great way to get them cheap. But at the same time this is on a ten year old car, which might mean 10 year old suspension parts. Unless you get lucky and find something good.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/28/2014 at 21:20

That's one reason I keep going back to them. The people who have them say the same exact thing.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 21:23

Whenever I buy anything; Cars, Phones, Computers. I always think at least 5 years ahead. I always buy things with longevity in mind, So if I were in your shoes I'd buy the bilsteins. But thats just me, I dont like making big purchases frequently so I always spend a little more to not have to spend anything anytime soon.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/28/2014 at 21:25

That's not a bad way to think. Both have seemed to held up pretty good from what I've read.

desertdog5051 > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 21:30

No opinion. But, nice looking ride.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 21:33

You should read up on warranty information. If they are both about equal quality, I'd choose the one with the best warranty

Steve in Manhattan > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 21:34

Tokico - I believe manufacturers use them, they're cheaper, they're adjustable, and things the Japanese build usually work. Like my girlfriend - she works.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > desertdog5051
11/28/2014 at 21:40

Thanks!

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/28/2014 at 21:43

That's a good idea, I know the Bilstiens have them but don't know about the Tokico's.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > Steve in Manhattan
11/28/2014 at 21:45

My current car has them, and they do still sort of work! Being cheaper is a plus.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 21:49

Ya, whenever you are buying something that costs over 200 dollars, you want to have manufacturer support should something go wrong.

CallMeTURBO > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/28/2014 at 22:57

I've got Bilsteins on the bmw I just bought. Lifetime waranteed

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > CallMeTURBO
11/28/2014 at 22:57

Thats good. I havent seen you in a while, how have you been? we still havent skyped

CallMeTURBO > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 23:02

I've got Bilsteins on the bmw I just bought. Lifetime waranteed, as far as ride goes, I havent had much ride time on mine because it's a new car to me and going through an engine transplant. But I'm on stock springs as well, and it's a nice sporty ride, in a slightly stiff lively way but 100% good for dailying.

The previous owner put 200k on em and got them replaced for free the one time they crapped out on him

That said I had koni sport yellows on my '99 SI and I loved how that thing rode and I believe they also have a lifetime warantee

CallMeTURBO > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/28/2014 at 23:04

I've been kept pretty damn busy, relegated to mostly just lurking while I deal with the absurd amount of papers I have to write for my senior thesis classes, when I'm not studying for the lsats -_-

Did manage to buy a new car though, and I've got about 3 weeks till freedom so I can start tinkering.

Should definitely Skype soon, I think I might be able to do it on my Xbox one? Not even sure though, I bouught it 2 months ago and haven't even touched it or bought games

Steve in Manhattan > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 23:08

On the other hand, shocks/struts are in important part of keeping the car on the road. My counsel has always been (and I did) get the best tires you can afford, get 4 of them, keep the car aligned. Probably the same advice as regards struts applies - perhaps check some specialty message boards and see what people say. On the other other hand, there are lots of people who like things for irrational reasons. On my last car, I liked Yokohama tires. No reason, they just felt better.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > CallMeTURBO
11/28/2014 at 23:18

Sporty but livable ride, exactly what I want. 200K and got them replaced, that's awesome. Pretty good reason to go Bilstein.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > CallMeTURBO
11/28/2014 at 23:21

Ive been busy with school too, my drafting class is kicking my ass. I dont think I like precision drawing very much, lol

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > Steve in Manhattan
11/28/2014 at 23:30

I've pretty much got everything I need to keep the car on the road. 4 new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's, ball joints, an alignment and a few other little things. The last major part are the shocks and struts. They're toast! Figuring out which ones I want are the problem...

Steve in Manhattan > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 23:41

Glad you're all sorted. Possibly a forum can offer some advice. There are more than a few fanboys out there ....

Steve in Manhattan > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/28/2014 at 23:43

Yeah, if the car was wrecked 4 years ago and had 19,000 miles on it, that's one thing. If they're equivalent to what you have now, that's another.

Frank Grimes > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/29/2014 at 01:03

I'd go with non adjustable konis. and subframe connectors. get some subframe connectors.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > Frank Grimes
11/29/2014 at 01:25

I haven't looked at the non adjustable Koni's yet. Maybe I should. Also my car comes stock with subframe connectors

CallMeTURBO > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/29/2014 at 08:10

Yeah man, that sounds difficult for sure, I'm in the middle of writing semester papers for my economics class (actually combining what I learned in 3 different classes for the one analysis on the current state of the Russian economy) and a philosophy and ethics term paper, fun funn

CallMeTURBO > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/29/2014 at 08:12

Yeah definitely, first time I've had Bilsteins but I'm impressed for sure. I've also got a friend with the same year 'stang as you.

I'll shoot him a text in a bit to see what he runs, see if he's got a recommendation for you

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > CallMeTURBO
11/29/2014 at 11:51

I appreciate that, thanks!

CallMeTURBO > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
11/29/2014 at 13:44

Just talked to him, he actually runs Koni's right now and swears by them so maybe take a look and see if theres any killer cyber monday deals on those? If not the Bilstiens might be your best bet.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > CallMeTURBO
11/29/2014 at 13:53

Everyone who has the Koni's swears by them. But they just had to increase in price so much! Before they were a great price to. No good deals either. So right now I'm leaning on the Bilstiens.