What would you do?

[98spyderboost]

I know a lot of you out there have bought things off of ebay before. My question for discussion is:

What would you buy off of ebay to save money? What type of parts can you find on ebay, and other "el cheapo" vendors, that work just as well as their $10X price tag counterpart? What would you stay away from? Lets put some real answers here!

For instance
Whats the difference between the $200 brand name strut bar and the $30-100 ebay equipment? What about the super cheap adjustable coil overs, and the $10 mirrors and $200 intercoolers, etc?

Let us know what you have bought and your experiences comparing to the rich folks parts.

Here is a little of my experience.

Good Deals
-18" wheels and goodyear tires, Paid less than a grand, all bran-new.
-Authentic Momo shifter Handle; Just slick and got it for about $30
-Guages; face kit,$20 Awesome! boost, and AFR Pretty nice looking and cheap.
-Floor Mats, $30 and are really nice with RALLI/ART embelems.

Bad Deals
-Aluminum dash trim kit. OK kit. Just cheezy looking. Paid too much
-"Cold Air Induction Kit" :laugh: I had to punch myself for that one. Mokup of a popular brand but was poorly cast. And it wont fit in the stock position. It has to have the itty bitty bug eye filter in the engine compartment Not even a way to secure it!

Wondering About
-cheap camber kits
-strut braces and swaybars, etc.
-off brand poly kits
-cheap sheet metal intakes
-coil over kits
-lambo door kits
-WHATEVER YOU CAN THINK OF!

BTW cheap-price not cheap-quality...

 

[fulanititoo8198]

I always find great deals on audio equipment. Cables, amps, speakers. Even for my apartment appliances. Small things like the shifter bushings, egr block off plate, etc. I bought my Exhaust off of ebay but no special price.

 

[Defiant]

So far, I've used eBay for both strut bars, air cleaner, intake (MAS to turbo) pipe, 1G BOV, BOV adapter, hi-flo cat, replacement fog lights, all sorts of spare switches and bits, MBC, gauges, gauge pod, instrument clusters, headlights, side marker lights, bulbs, steering wheels, full Infinity setup (Head, Amp, 10-disk Changer, cables), replacement glove box, Homelink visors, and a shift knob. And an astounding array of Talon/DSM books, flyers, brochures, manuals and sales info. That I can think of.

I'm out about $50 from three deadbeats out of almost 700 transactions. In DSM parts vs dealer, I'm up a couple of thousand.

Check peoples' feedback files, and also check what else they're selling. Treasures abound.

Oh, but if you're thinking about Lamborghini door hinges, please step in front of a bus.

 

[98spyderboost]

So far, I've used eBay for both strut bars, air cleaner, intake (MAS to turbo)

Oh, but if you're thinking about Lamborghini door hinges, please step in front of a bus.

Thanks for the, uhh, honest response. I guess "gullwing" would be more descriptive.
Reasoning;
-Obviously ads to the exotic look...
-$600 bucks for a bolt on kit with a lifetime warantee on all parts.
-No welding require(but i will anyway)
-Best of all, dont worry about door dings that are MY FAULT!! Parking places are getting smaller and smaller. :laugh:

Besides, if you keep track of my website. Over the next few weeks you will see the entire plan for my buildup. And I always like an honest opinion over a pleasant one So please keep the opinions coming.

 

[98spyderboost]

I always find great deals on audio equipment. Cables, amps, speakers. Even for my apartment appliances. Small things like the shifter bushings, egr block off plate, etc. I bought my Exhaust off of ebay but no special price.

I've heard of these. Do these make a big difference and will they work with any of the shifter kits?

 

[eyebrowski]

I've heard of these. Do these make a big difference and will they work with any of the shifter kits?

Go pick up a couple roller blade/skateboard bearings. I have been using them for a couple years now and only cost a couple bucks. No modifications needed.

 

[fulanititoo8198]

I've heard of these. Do these make a big difference and will they work with any of the shifter kits?

In my opinion they dont make a huge difference, but it is noticable, and for the money its worth it.

 

[BrokenTsi]

i got a 3" SS turboback exhaust from this kid that makes them and sells them on ebay. He made me a 3" o2 dump with downpipe (no neck downs here), test pipe, and perfect mandrel bent catback with muffler of my choice for about 500 bucks. I saved on shipping because i live so close to him. I must say, it is the best exhaust I have ever seen. He makes them for 1g AWD, and it fits perfect. The flanges are the best and the welds are superb. He sells them on ebay all the time. I think his ebay name is hndasmokintsi or something. You can email him and tell him exactly what you want and he can fab it up for real cheap. Other name brand turbo backs are almost $1000.00!! He also offers them aluminzed if you want to save a few bucks too. My muffler of choice was a dynomax ultra flo, the one that looks stock but flows plenty.

 

[gixrman]

My thoughts are look at the seller and his rating and then at what is being sold. I bought my rims(19") $650, suspension, intercooler, piping, and 2 spare heads and various other crap. I also bought a reconditioned Lincoln MIG welder for dirt cheap.

 

[yotabeater]

i bought a complete gauge cluster w/ white face indiglo gauges already installed for $21 shipped!!! i have also seen the coilovers for as low as $80-$125, and was wondering if they're worth it.