So I have a '05 justa cooper with 160k KM on it (100 miles).
I ran into someone selling his 65k KM (40miles) Cooper S shocks, springs, mounts and all that (front and rear) for around $250 CAD (assuming he switched to coilovers, haven't asked yet, don't want to show interest if I'm not going to go see them).

After 100 miles on my stock suspension I'm thinking about knocking off more than half and getting these for cheap and installing them myself. If I went knew, it'd be in the $800+ range and I could just put a little more and get coils.

If this was your car, (with something wearing out every other month) would you risk some used suspension and hope it last 5 years (which I assume the car will get to), or save up for some brand new quality that will out live the car?

 

I would personally save up or maybe look for another used set with less miles on them. Are you still running the original setup?

-Jorge

 

yes, all original suspension. changed my front lca bushings this weekend, stuck with OEM rubber to keep the ride comfy. Now I'm getting a squeak when I turn the wheel, and a slight alignment issue.

 

the OEM suspension stinks. get konis.

 

Agreed. If you want to stay at stock ride height, keep your stock springs and buy a set of Koni FSD Shocks. They are a fair bit more then the setup you're looking at, but they have a lifetime warranty and will make the car much better overall.

 

That's my problem (I'm stingy) I don't want to pay for a life time warranty and superior quality when I'm going to get a maximum of 5, maybe 7 years (if I'm lucky and desperate) out of them.

I'd rather get cheap Chinese shocks and quality springs, will that maintain mini's good handling?

 

I don't understand what you mean by get a maximum of 5 to 7 years out of them...

 

At the risk of feeding a potential troll, I'm going to state the ultra obvious, and say that even your current 160km setup will outlast a new Chinese setup. I've got 225km on my originals, and it feels decent to me. I've gone through this before with other cars where I've replaced an OEM setup with inexpensive (KYB gas-a-just) shocks and actually had it worse right off the bat.

As far as buying used, well if you buy a used car, it will come with used suspension, tires, etc. I wouldn't go used for everything, but I think your logic is sound.

 

I've decided against buying used OEM, not a safe idea. Used konis or a reputable brand I'd consider used for a. Good price.
When I said "get a good 5 to 7 years" I mean the car is already 7 years old, at the most I'll get another 7 years (at the most) before the engine implodes and/or I'm making repairs on a weekly basis.

 

What he said. The stock shocks are not great, even when brand new. If you are going to replace them, get Konis or Bilsteins. It will offer a more comfortable ride and better handling at the limit too.

 

Well let's hope that none of that happens!!

But I completely understand, if you are in the mindset of drive it for 5 or so years and then pick up something new, then used OEM may be the way to go (this is what I did on my previous car), but I only bought from local people that I knew, like when they upgraded.

 

5 years is a long time to be driving on crappy shocks.

Koni FSD with stock everything else will ride a lot better than chinese coilovers and be cheaper.

 

I feel like an idiot for asking this question, and a bigger idiot for considering it

 

don't sweat it! heck, my shocks were used, but they weren't OEM.

you just gotta be careful.

 

+1, try and save up for a nice set...modding on a budget

 

OK, question again - sorry I'm so cheap. But I stumbled across a set of used Megan coilovers.
The guy has them on his mini which he races, never drives the car on the street. He's raced them 3 times, will race it 2 more times remove the coilovers and move up to a more raceworthy coilover - he's not happy with them, say they're more meant for street than track.
Is it safe to buy suspension that's been tracked. More so tracked on a dedicated race car?

I believe a track would be safe since it's just dealing with the cars physics to the maximum potential, I'd be more weary of street driven suspension exposed to pot holes, bumps, curbs and bad drivers. But people sell parts and say it's never been tracked only street driven.

Any advice, other than get a second job for dedicated mod-money lol?

 

I think Megans are junk, but they may be slightly less junky than OEM stuff.

The Konis will ride better for sure. But the Megans will let you lower the car a bunch if you care.

- Andrew

 

I'm deciding between Koni shocks and then some sort of lowering spring, and then have to pay for a shop to put the two together. Or go with the Megans and install them myself.

Leaning towards the Megans. Any advice?

 

Konis, in my imo though.