2000 GTX Millenium Edition: What to look for when thinking about buying?

[Pcolaboy]

There are two local guys selling their 2000 GTX Millenium Editions. Both look brand new from the photos and I've decided to go take a look at them tomorrow. Both are in the 125-150 hour range and both have new wear rings and carb rebuilds (supposedly).

One of the guys is willing to let his go for $2600 with the trailer, and the other has his listed for $3100 or best offer with a trailer. Supposedly both have only been run in freshwater and appear to be owned by the original adult owners.

Can you please give me suggestions on what I should be on the look out for when contemplating a purchase? Both allegedly have maintenance records.

Thanks in advance!

Scott

 

[bell99man]

Regardless of what they say (sellers), look at NADA for a guide and take a look at what the bank would lend, low retail. That is a bit high, especially for Florida. Have you looked at this link and drop a comment on it with a link to your ads?
http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?52588-Florida-Classifieds

Go to the end for the current conversation. These guys know Florida pricing.

Some detail always helps but keep in mind that the Millennium has a 951cc engine with an expected life of around 200 hrs between rebuilds. It's just a limitation based on the size/weight/output of these things. They are clearly the king of the 2-strokes but are also a little harder to maintain due to the snug/cramped fit.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

actually, IMO 2600-3000 on a trailer is about right for that model... I literally sold one for 2500 (no trailer) just 2 months ago, and I have a comparable RX for sale for 3100 on trailer with a brand new engine and i'm pretty firm on my price, and i'm in FL, I've turned down 2600 twice so I don't think these guys are out of line. (this assumes that the ski's look great, i drop price quickly and severely if they need tlc)

obviously look very closely inside and outside for signs of wear and abuse, scratches, nick's, repairs, etc.. look for sign's of salt on the pump which might indicate that they are lying about salt use (most people do). tears or worn spots on seats, handlebar, mold, etc... take off seat, smell for nasty dirty musty crap.... ask owner what oil that they use AND ask to see the oil container... make sure its the right stuff... those are the basic's at least of what to look for in a cursory inspection

obviously hours are a concern, if hours are 100+ then the engine has reached about half of its lifespan already, and a rebuild is over $1,000. The closer you get to 200 hours, the price drops, IMO about $150-250 for ever 10 hours over 140... of course this is just a general rule and its my opinion only...
140 hours 3000
150 hours 2800
160 hours 2600 etc...

 

[LouDoo]

Fresh water use in Florida, was it also ridden by a little old lady, who only rode it to church on sunday?

Lou

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Fresh water use in Florida, was it also ridden by a little old lady, who only rode it to church on sunday?

Lou

yes, exactly, its HARD to avoid salt water in FL. even if your in orlando or lake placid, salt water is a relatively short drive away. the only guy i'd believe that never ever went into salt water would have the ski on a lake, on a dock, with no trailer, and even then i'd be reluctant to believe them. Its florida !!! however, don't let that discourage you, its just a fact.



I ride 90% in Fresh/Brackish water, but salt is almost unavoidable...

 

[Pcolaboy]

It's interesting to note that I've asked each of the sellers to send me a pic of the gauge showing the number of hours, and neither is returning my texts or phone calls now. I know they aren't sold yet because they just reposted their ads.

thinking about forgetting about this venture.

Thanks for the advice gentlemen.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Most sellers online are chumps. show up with cash, and offer way below what they are asking.

I've never really had a 'good' experience buying or selling. It's like the seller's don't care, and the buyer's don't want to spend $.

 

[Pcolaboy]

I just heard back from one of the sellers (the one for $2600). His ski has 135 hours on it. I'm thinking this is reasonable. I did ask him casually what kind of oil I should use in the engine and he very adamantly said that I should only use SeaDoo XPS 2 stroke fully synthetic. I'm thinking this guy may have actually taken care of it properly but as with anything used - it's all a very expensive crap shoot.

Thanks again!!! Will post a follow-up with the ski if I purchase it.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Most sellers online are chumps. show up with cash, and offer way below what they are asking.

I've never really had a 'good' experience buying or selling. It's like the seller's don't care, and the buyer's don't want to spend $.

I totally disagree... ya, sure you have to weed out the idiot's but in general.. you can find what you want, for a reasonable price, as long as your patient, don't expect to find it overnight.

I just heard back from one of the sellers (the one for $2600). His ski has 135 hours on it. I'm thinking this is reasonable. I did ask him casually what kind of oil I should use in the engine and he very adamantly said that I should only use SeaDoo XPS 2 stroke fully synthetic. I'm thinking this guy may have actually taken care of it properly but as with anything used - it's all a very expensive crap shoot.

Thanks again!!! Will post a follow-up with the ski if I purchase it.

that's the answer your were looking for sir !!! and thats one of the sellers you'd like to do biz with...

besides the cursory glance ...

compression and water test would be nice as well....

now we could discuss oil all day, and there are very good alternatives to xps,, BUT most importantly he actually knew specifics about the oil... you'd be suprised how many sellers use any 2 stroke oil. (I actually used the wrong oil in my seadoo for almost a full year before someone told me what I was doing wrong, i just used the same dam oil I used in my Yamaha ski and it never occured to me that seadoo would want me to use something different)

 

[dustindu4]

Good luck with it. There's a guy around here that's been trying to sell one with a new engine in it for 3500. Just as a point of reference.