Koni info

[MHLIGGINS@aol.com]

     Just had an interesting chat with Wes in the rebuild shop at Koni.  The
front strut cartridges in my '87 5K are starting to leak, so I called about
the "Lifetime Guarantee".  Just to save some others some pain, be advised that
the first theing they want is a copy of the current registration for the car
they are supposed to be on.  If you have that, then they will also require
that you provide the ORIGINAL sales receipt (no copies need apply).  Then they
will consider honoring their lifetime promise.
     In checking the ads, I didn't notice any disclaimers.  They give the
impression that they are offering the same type of guarantee you get from
Sears, Snap-On,  and others if you buy their name brand tools.  Such as -
bring in a broken one and they will replace it.
     I've dealt with this before.  Basically, the lifetime guarantee is a
marketing gimmick to support the high prices.  So, if the lifetime promise has
an appeal to you, you will need to consider it very carefully.  If you can't
justify the price of the shock based on performance alone, you should look
somewhere else.
     When I bought this car, part of the rationale used to justify the price I
paid was that the cost of the Konis was included.  The former owner was not
aware of the stipulations.  Based on the veracity of the other information he
gave me about the car, he did not intentionally try to mislead me on this.
     At the moment I am trying to decide whether I should a) pay them to
rebuild the front carts (@ $125 each), b) buy two new ones, or c) change to a
different company that is not as interested in misleading people through
marketing promises.  I am certainly disappointed that what is implied in their
ads, and what they are really willing to do, are so different.
     Just thought some of you might want to know.

     Later.
     --ml