Maelick21

HI guys,

So I've been looking at getting the Mazdaspeed Springs + Shocks to start off with. I called up my dealer and he told me that I would need to get the strut tower bars as well if I upgraded the suspension. I was just wondering if he was trying to sell me more than I wanted or if I do upgrade the suspension I will need those for the extra support.

I had planned on getting them eventually, but wanted to just get the springs / shocks to start off with, mainly due to financial reasons.

Appreciate it!

Jayd41

He is just trying to sell more product. You do not need the strut tower bars to upgrade your springs/shocks.

devildog1679

I agree

fisherdn

^^ These guys are right. The 8 doesn't even have struts (it has shocks) which makes strut tower bars less effective. The best part of the MS front strut tower bar is the master cylinder brace, but it won't be a big difference. You'll be very happy with the spring/shock combo.

SouthFL

That's total BS. The bars have some function, but not anywhere the extent in which he's making them out to be necessary. As mentioned, the M/C brace of the front STB is the greatest benefit derived from that brace.

flip702

Dealers are always looking out for your best interest

laythor

god bless parts departments and their undertrained staff.

Revvittupp

Keep complaining aboutu a "stealership's" ability to make a profit, and you will continue to be bewildered how poorly trained everyone is. Better employee's require better paychecks. A lot of talent is leaving the auto industry due to the decreased margins caused by the internet.

laythor

it's a fundamental difference in tactics. Yeah, you can sell someone the struts and spring with strut bars, making some nice money in the process. If the person finds out he was given incorrect information he most likely wont go back to that dealership.

If they are up front and inform the customer that they can get struts/springs first, then purchase braces later they are not only showing off their knowledge, they're showing the customer that they aren't just trying to jack them up for a one time hit.

VarneyMazda

Amen.. Believe me Ive seen it first hand. My family owns several high volume dealerships and good parts help is hard to come by.

philsbluerx8

will dealer do installation for u if u bring MS parts to them? i know it will charge a lot but there is one dealer in my area which is the only one i trust to do anything to my car beside myself.

Maelick21

Yeah, I had planned on buying everything from them. They quoted me at $95.00 / hour / wheel. So basically 400 for the shocks / springs for the install. That didn't sound too bad to me.

I didn't ask how much it would be if I brought the parts to them, although I don't see why the price would be different.

2tone

iTrader: (3)

whoa, i got mine at a mom/pop shop for $60 or $65 per hour. $95 per wheel seems high.

Maelick21

I was reading another post that someone else was quoted 800+ for the install from a Mazda dealership in their area. Thought I was getting an ok price, think I'm going to have to look around a bit harder then.

2tone

iTrader: (3)

^^ well, i just realized ... i only got the springs done, so if you're getting the whole set up (shocks and springs) then maybe it's not too bad after all.

fisherdn

$65 at a mom and pop shop versus $95 at Mazda seems right to me. Theoretically you are paying more for someone with more Mazda experience.