Varying prices!!!
Submitted: Saturday, Sep 20, 2003 at 09:06
ThreadID:
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Replies:
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Brett
I am looking for
suspension for my troopy and called a couple of 4x4 specialists yesterday.
One firm spoke highly of the Fireflex Enforcer
suspension made by Carrolls in
Sydney and a complete kit fitted works out at $1625. I thought that seemed ok but I called my local TJM dealed who started off at $2800 for a partial kit plus fitting then offered a Tjm budjet kit complete for $2200 inc fitting and finally the fireflex enforcer kit was offered for $2100. Same components same part numbers.
I asked if he had made a mistake and he said that because they buy so many kits they are able to pass on the saving to the consumer...
Yeah Right!!!!
Of course we have the ability to
shop around and to obtain the price and service we are looking for and which suits us but you really have to question the the value of other products offered by a retailer who is 30% more expensive than his local competition. Sure a $50 or $100 difference is to be expected but $475!!
How much SHOULD their $2800.00 kit cost? ??? $2150???
I know everything is market driven but as far as I am concerned this firm is trying to rip people off.
Oh thats right we have to pay for all of their glossy advertising..
Reply By: GaryInOz (Vic) - Saturday, Sep 20, 2003 at 09:27
Saturday, Sep 20, 2003 at 09:27
Just avoid the TJM/ARB duopoly as much as possible. Most other companies will be more than happy to help out, particularly if you have a different sort of vehicle to most, or you want a genuine "custom" job.
One assumption you make is correct, with the Big Two, you are paying for advertising, not quality (see recent reports on winches/snatch straps, etc).
AnswerID:
31557
Reply By: GLAYVA MAN(bendigo) - Saturday, Sep 20, 2003 at 18:54
Saturday, Sep 20, 2003 at 18:54
gday brett.
where abouts are you and what are you looking for
leafs/shocks and shackle bushsjamieson wild cat
AnswerID:
31575
Follow Up By: Brett - Saturday, Sep 20, 2003 at 22:13
Saturday, Sep 20, 2003 at 22:13
I am in Mackay QLD.
Yes , I am after a full
suspension kit. The old troopy (89 model) has done 330000 odd km on the original springs .....comfortable but flat.., in fact the have large enough gaps between the leaves that they could be mistaken for parabolics!!
FollowupID:
22531
Reply By: Member -BJ (Sydney) - Sunday, Sep 21, 2003 at 17:22
Sunday, Sep 21, 2003 at 17:22
Had the same experence ,
snorkel fitted to patrol by one guy cheaper than TJM supply only price & he buys them off TJM.Regards Bob
Where to next
AnswerID:
31617
Reply By: Hughesy - Monday, Sep 22, 2003 at 17:58
Monday, Sep 22, 2003 at 17:58
Brett,
I bought a complete new set of springs, shackles, bushes, steering dampner, ubolts for my HZJ75 ute a couple of months ago for $900!!! That was from 4X4 Parts Australia in
Brisbane and they will frieght them anywhere for between 50 and 75 bucks. Can't think of the brand of shocks off the top of my head but they were blue in clour and didn't look like some cheap chinese trap. I thought it was a joke when i first saw the add but its genuine. Bought heaps of gear from them (mostly new) and always heaps cheaper than normal 4by shops. Bloke said they would rather sell 100 sets at 10% profit (100 happy customers) than sell 10 sets at 100% profit!! Makes bloody good business sense to me. Pitty TJM and ARB don't take note. Give them a ring mate you will be amazed. Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Hughesy
PS Once spoke to a knowledgable
suspension bloke who said the difference between different manufacturers "stock" springs would be 2-3%. So in reality your only paying extra for the name. Shocks are a different story though.
AnswerID:
31689
Follow Up By: Brett - Tuesday, Sep 23, 2003 at 21:46
Tuesday, Sep 23, 2003 at 21:46
Thanks for the tip. I will give them a call and see if they can help me.
As for te rating, I see phrases like"20% above standard" etc etc but I have never ever seen a figure for spring compression or extension. How do they determine the increased rating without an advertised OEM rating.?
FollowupID:
22699
Reply By: Harry - Wednesday, Sep 24, 2003 at 23:14
Wednesday, Sep 24, 2003 at 23:14
G,daye Brett,
I had Koni shockers on my 75 Troopy for 10 years,( 320,000) not one bit of trouble and then bought a 78 series Troopy which they didn't fit so had them serviced when I bought new ones for the new truck.Guess what, in absolutely perfect condition said the report and I sold them for $150 each.
Speak for themselves don't they. You get what you pay for.
AnswerID:
31930
Follow Up By: Brett - Thursday, Sep 25, 2003 at 19:04
Thursday, Sep 25, 2003 at 19:04
I agree that in theory you should get what you pay for. I also know that with TJM charging nearly $500 more than the 4x4 specialist down the road for the identical product leads me to believe that, when buying from TJM you are not getting good value for money.
As for Koni shocks. I have heard many good reports about their longevity ...thanks for the recommendation I will look at them more closely.
Thanks
Brett
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22844