Hi all. Time (actually, past time) for suspension on my 2013 at all 4 corners. We’re talking 146k hard New England miles on what MAY be the original shocks and springs (although I feel like that’s almost impossible…) – the car is still technically fine, but it crashes on harsh bumps, wobbles and yaws excessively on frost heaves, etc – and the front strut mount bearings, which have been ‘bad’ since I bought the car, are now ‘criminal’. Turn the steering wheel in a parking lot / at low speeds, and you’d think a percussion ensemble was nearby. Not to mention the fact that with salt + age + hard driving, I’m overdue for a snapped coil / leaking strut / etc. If I’m taking this car to 200k, as I plan to, I’d rather not do it on blown suspension for much longer.
Cost is the unavoidable downfall of a four-corner suspension refresh. There is seemingly no way around a $1200 bill from FCP Euro. I was planning to do Sachs shocks / springs / struts with their kit and call it a day. OEM ride and handling are fine for me – this is a commuter car. I’d like it to handle well, of course, but I’m more focused on ride comfort. I’ve heard that the Sachs can be slightly softer and more compliant than OEM, and that sounds perfect for my use. The kit also comes with the bearings and all the other little goodies that go into the job.
My question is about BC coilovers. I’m not a coilover person and I don’t know exactly what I’m dealing with here.
I stumbled across this kit for only a bit more than the F&R Sachs sets together. Is this a measurably higher-quality setup? Is it necessary for a college kid who uses the car for errands, commuting, and occasional highway trips? I’m not interested in lowering the car or turning it into a canyon-carver – in fact, I would probably dial them back to their softest setting.
Long story short:
I’ve read some older threads here about BC coilovers on P3 sedans and wagons. I couldn’t really get a clear idea of what difference they would make on the car – firmer, or softer? I’m looking for close-to-OEM ride and handling with an emphasis on ride comfort. FCP claims that these are better able to absorb sharp impacts and that they can improve the ride. That’s really why I’m interested. Otherwise, I will happily save the money and go with the regular Sachs setup, which will surely be fine for my use.
Especially interested if anybody has firsthand experience and can comment on the comfort side of things.
Thanks in advance!