Buying Shocks - Oz vs o'seas
Submitted: Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 10:28
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Mark S (cns)
Hi all,
Recently bough a new Dmax dcab, and am very happy with it so far.
One thing that is ordinary is the std shocks. They must have come out of a cadilllac! Smooth ride and all, but crap in all other facets of shock absorber duty
So, of I go to get some prices (via internet) - usual suspects (price each) Ironman gas start at about $100, foam cell $150, EFS $125, dobinsons $130, rancho $200, tough dog adjutsable $230, Bilsteins from $200. OME must be over $200 ea if ARB sell em....
Now, if you were to ask anyone in the know what the typical top line shock brand is - hands down, Bilstein & Koni are always mentioned. in the same sentence.
So, gee I'd love a set of billies, but $800+ a set, hmmm, shelled out enough coin lately...... Have a look at some USA sites for shocks.
Well, long story short - have a set of 4 Bilsteins on their way here, delivered to my door, for A$385. (They were A$270 a set to but them).
Sorry Mr middleman, but you won't be needed in this instance.
Cheers
Mark
footnote: Before the 'high horse brigade' bang on about not buying Oz. etc, think about what you buy to support the chinese economy.. (funny in that I feel the need to add this last sentence only on this
forum, not any other.....)
Reply By: member - mazcan - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 11:33
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 11:33
hi mark s
your footnote
comment is spot on particulary about how we are all supporting the chinese economy
but you have not said what type/rating the bilstiens are for that money or who you bought them off as their are many who would no doubt like to know including myself you can quote/name the web address
the aussie dollar rating is making overseas purchasing more and more worthwhile
cheers barry
AnswerID:
456566
Follow Up By: Mark S (cns) - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 13:07
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 13:07
Hi Barry
They are Bilstein HD's
I found out the dmax specs thru the 4wdaction
forum. A guy there ordered some for his dmax.
The part numbers are actually toyota & nissan, as dmax is not sold in the states.
2 24-002585 TOYOTA REAR SHOCK (B46-0258-H1) $67.95 $135.90
2 24-020763 Nissan Front (B46-2076-H0) $75.00 $150.00
the 24-002585 numbers are the new bilstein ref numbers
the B46-0258-H1 numbers are the old superseded bilstein reference numbers
Email Jason Mole: sales at donssport dot com and he should be able to help out
it is part of the eshocks.com website
Hope that helps.
I already had part numbers to run with, but you may want to find out the numbers for mazda/ford here, as Jason may not be familiar with the bravo/courier ove there.
cheers
Mark
FollowupID:
729615
Follow Up By: member - mazcan - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 13:45
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 13:45
hi mark
thanks for the imfo much appreciated
barry
FollowupID:
729625
Reply By: Skippype - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 12:33
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 12:33
I just bought a Sony video camera and a heap of accessories over the net from the states. Nothing over $1000. But when all added together plus the freight is was in excess of $1000. Had to pay duty on the whole lot.
Still way cheaper that buying here. I don't know how then do it.
Skip
AnswerID:
456576
Follow Up By: fisho64 - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 16:21
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 16:21
you shouldnt have had to pay ANY Import Duty on stuff imported from the US if that was the source of the goods, no matter the value.
Only GST over $1000
FollowupID:
729654
Follow Up By: Skippype - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 17:20
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 17:20
The good came from a
shop in NY USA the gear was ex Japan (Sony) & that's what I argued but the complete package including freight was use to calculate the GST. The value of the package was $1350 roughly. The import tax was $135. I was not going to argue as I needed the gear.. Hope the customs choke on the Xmas party that the $135 will go towards.
Skip
FollowupID:
729666
Follow Up By: fisho64 - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 21:18
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 21:18
I thought the import duty was 5%?
Its a bit odd though-I know (up until recently) Suzuki outboards were being brought into Aus as
grey imports from the US without import duty. Been stopped now by Suzuki US (or Jap)
FollowupID:
729715
Reply By: Member - Keith C (NSW) - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 12:46
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 12:46
Hi Mark, Is there an Australian warranty with your purchase? That is usually the downfall with o/s purchases.
Regards Keith
AnswerID:
456579
Follow Up By: Mark S (cns) - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 13:15
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 13:15
Hi Keith
Yes I did consider this, and they offer free return shipping on any warranty claim. Bit more stuffing around I guess, should something go wrong, although I am not too fussed on this, given the price I paid and brand of shock, so don't consider it a show stopper, but that's just my opinion - each to there own i guess.
It is also exactly the same shock that you would buy here, just no middle man.
cheers
Mark
FollowupID:
729617
Follow Up By: Member - Keith C (NSW) - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 13:19
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 13:19
Thanks Mark,I am in need of new shocks, I will follow it up.ta.
FollowupID:
729619
Reply By: AlbyNSW - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 14:06
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 14:06
Good for you, I am sure you will be happy with the Billies.
It is funny how you can buy German made products out of the USA cheaper than from Germany direct.
They must have some sort of subsidy agreement ???
AnswerID:
456592
Reply By: rainbowprof - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 14:31
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 14:31
"Before the 'high horse brigade' bang on about not buying Oz. etc, think about what you buy to support the chinese economy.."
Funny one should mention that. I'm perfectly happy to buy from China- I'm not in a particular hurry to choose big brother US over an Asian economy- unless some items are clearly superior quality at a fair price. Anyway, I understand China has a larger holding of US cash dollars than are in the US -I don't know how true that is??
I often purchase items from China that are cheaper than the retail prices in Australia and elsewhere and there is usually free postage. I invariably pay local (overpriced) postage within Australia which appears to include a handling charge.
In a global society it's quite reasonable to access items from the retailer with the best product and best service at the most competitive price. Buy Australian and pay less shouldn't be interpreted as pay more for less:-)
AnswerID:
456597
Reply By: patsproule - Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 21:37
Monday, Jun 06, 2011 at 21:37
truckspring dot com are cheaper again than the site you mentioned. I'm looking at a set of fresh Bilstein B6 struts / shocks for our NP pajero. The Bilsteins in it have over 200,000km across two Pajeros - time for a freshen up. The set from the US are $458. Nearly a grand here!.
Pat
AnswerID:
456646
Follow Up By: Mark S (cns) - Tuesday, Jun 07, 2011 at 15:49
Tuesday, Jun 07, 2011 at 15:49
Hi Pat
I checked that site as well as shockwarehouse, and both were slightly dearer for the B6's that I'm getting. Mine are straight out shocks though, not struts, so that may change pricing a bit?
Mark
FollowupID:
729786