[vashthe3rd]

Disclaimer: I feel impossibly stupid for even bringing this up, and realize all the bad things that can come with buying used, this just has me confused...

What's your take on buying used mods?
Got a good/bad experience?
Think it's a good way to save money?
Think it's a good way to get scammed?
Friend of mine built a turbo for his 240SX using all used parts, except for a wastegate he bought new. Went over smooth.
My intake and tuner were both used, and I got them off ebay for almost 300 under retail

then I see things like this
eBay Motors: 55mm Garrett Turbo Kit for 05-08 Mustang excellent cond (item 200292949921 end time Jan-07-09 15:56:50 PST)
Which makes me question every other used mod.
Interchangeable between a V6 and a V8, no expense spared, yet no picture of an intake manifold, at $2,000 the piping alone seems to be a steal, yet the whole thing smells a little strange

what's your take on it AFM?
I know generally alot of people don't go used, especially on more expensive mods, and I'd be right there too, but if the piping was in good condition, I could upgrade around it and part out the rest of the kit, save alot of money. I just don't think the piping would be the same around a V8. I don't know what I'm missing here.

[EricU281]

Originally Posted by vashthe3rd

Disclaimer: I feel impossibly stupid for even bringing this up, and realize all the bad things that can come with buying used, this just has me confused...

What's your take on buying used mods?
Got a good/bad experience?
Think it's a good way to save money?
Think it's a good way to get scammed?
Friend of mine built a turbo for his 240SX using all used parts, except for a wastegate he bought new. Went over smooth.
My intake and tuner were both used, and I got them off ebay for almost 300 under retail

then I see things like this
eBay Motors: 55mm Garrett Turbo Kit for 05-08 Mustang excellent cond (item 200292949921 end time Jan-07-09 15:56:50 PST)
Which makes me question every other used mod.
Interchangeable between a V6 and a V8, no expense spared, yet no picture of an intake manifold, at $2,000 the piping alone seems to be a steal, yet the whole thing smells a little strange

what's your take on it AFM?
I know generally alot of people don't go used, especially on more expensive mods, and I'd be right there too, but if the piping was in good condition, I could upgrade around it and part out the rest of the kit, save alot of money. I just don't think the piping would be the same around a V8. I don't know what I'm missing here.

I haven't bought any used parts yet but I think if you know where the parts coming from, why its being sold, and its in good quality, (and your gut doesn't tell you otherwise) it should be perfectly fine. Just be sure the part isn't stolen, that happens a lot on craigslist and what not. If you know the source then you'll most likely be fine. Just use discretion Oh, and don't feel stupid theres no such thing as a stupid question, when it comes to 'Stangs and there parts anyways!

[travelers]

Well to start with it is only piped for either the v6 or v8. Not both. It didn't say if it was for a stick or auto. That makes a big difference. I didn't see anything saying the reason for removing it. You don't know if all the brackets are there with any small hardwar. I would stay away from that.

As for buying off ebay its all going to depend on what it is.

[stlwagon]

Depends on the part. CAI, sure. Muffers, yes. Electrical parts, no.

[vashthe3rd]

Yea I went ahead and sent the guy a terrifyingly long list of questions
I'd be interested to see where it goes, the transmission was one of them, that and I asked for an explanation of how the piping can fit both a V8 and a V6.
I don't expect to hear back, but this just struck me as incredibly odd. Not the typical chinese knock off T3/T4 thing you'd find on ebay, but still really fishy. Hard to believe someone would actually try and scam a turbo kit on the S197's, I think this guy just doesn't know what he's selling.

[stlwagon]

Yeah, just be careful. Lots of sketchy people out there these days.

[vashthe3rd]

Yea, the 2,000$ price he had was what caught my eye about this, still rather just get the reliability of a company name for the money
I can't wait till spring....

[travelers]

Someone asked Tillmans to install a used turbo setup. The guy droped off the parts and car and when they looked at it, it was for a stick and he had a auto. No directions brackets missing. They did some other work for him and gave the parts back to him and said no way. So even if you get a answer to your question, talk to who ever is going to do the install.

[06Roadstarman]

I will only buy used if I can see the part in person. We have a local speed shop that sells stuff on consignment that patrons have brought in. You can see the parts, and even talk to the owner before buying. Now something from a place like newtakeoff dot com would be fine but from some unknown individual from the hiney end of nowhere and a computer connection......naah, I'll pass.

[sqidd]

Every mod on your car is used. How are they working out?

[2005 white s197]

I haven't seen any used "Muffers" recently ? What are they???? (LMAO)

[hotshot]

I bought STL's "used" JLT intake. I think he's a "decent" guy so i trusted him enough to buy it

I would buy simple things that were used. Never any form of F/I however. Nothing electrical either.

[stlwagon]

Originally Posted by hotshot

I bought STL's "used" JLT intake. I think he's a "decent" guy so i trusted him enough to buy it

I would buy simple things that were used. Never any form of F/I however. Nothing electrical either.

Thanks for the endorsement... I've actually sold a bunch of stuff. No complaints so far..

[vashthe3rd]

Originally Posted by sqidd

Every mod on your car is used. How are they working out?

0 problems, exactly what I wanted from it :P

[Big Top Gt]

I've bought literally thousands of dollars in used parts.

Blowers, gauges, boost a spark, etc... You name it, I've probably picked it up with some miles on it.

I honestly can't think of a time where I got a piece of crap part that was other than as advertised.

It's all about getting good pictures and being smart about the transaction.

Honestly, the hardest times I've ever had was when I bought new stuff.