94 xp, should i take the chance.

[okcsolarpanels]

just been offered a 1994 xp, title lost, no trailer. intake grate missing. ski looks clean for the year, seat is good.
$300
he bought it to fix up and don't know anything about jet ski's.
said it don't run so it could be a minor fix or major fix.
whats your thoughts on this.
i dont need it as i have got two jet ski's already but thought for that kind of money it would be great to fix and have a spare ski just sat there ready to go.

 

[russssellcrow]

Take out the plugs and see if the motor turns. Are there a lot of things missing (carbs, electronics, jet?) it could get very expensive or be a dream come true.

 

[brock1]

I wouldnt pay that for it i just picked up a 97 gsx 800 for 300 bucks and all it needed was a 40 dollar coil and it only has 55 hours on it. AND a lost title is a big deal trust me that coul turn into a nightmare for you i would hold off and get one that at least has a title. If it had the title then maybe 200 for it but no more then that trust me i do this all the time. every ski i have owned has been a buy cheap and fix up type deal but i will never buy without a title my best advice is DONT DO IT!!

 

[okcsolarpanels]

everything is there and in place, i could only see the intake grate missing. i have one in the shop spare. im questioning him regarding the title as this gets alarm bells ringing everytime. at worst it would be a donor ski for parts.

 

[brock1]

Yeah i guess it depend on how much of a risk you want to take. If it would not bother you to have it as a parts ski if thats what it came down to then go for it. I still would offer him 200 being that it will be a hassle with the title and you know that right off the bat you need to put parts into it.

 

[Dr Honda]

As brock said... a lost title is a bad thing. Depending on the state, it may actually be illegal to sell it without the title. (You may be buying stolen property) Even if it's not stolen... most likely all you will be able to do is part it out, if you can't get in contact with the last "Titled" owner.


My gut feeling is... you aren't getting the real story. If the guy bought it to fix... something is making him sell it. Either the engien is rotten, the electronics are smoked... or the "REAL" owner is no longer around.


Last thoughts... a good running, CLEAN 94 xp, on a trailer... with all the correct paperwork is only worth $1000 to $1200.

If it had a title, and you could verify good compression in the engine... it may be worth it... but it would still be marginal.

 

[okcsolarpanels]

thanks for all your input on this thread. i think im going to just wait for a ski to come up with the title in hand.
i am sure another bargain will come up soon.
im always looking for a cheap ski that needs work.
i paid $1500 for the two i got now, a 97 gtx with less than 100 hours on it and 1 wear ring is all it took to get it perfect and a 94 spi that needed the fuel lines changed and a carb rebuild.
i took them both out yesterday and they ran perfect all day long, pulling a tube with the gtx was no problem.
i use the spi as a family ski and let brother in law and sister in law with there kids use it, its kinda a free for all on that one with the understanding if they break it they bought it... lol.

 

[cruisertom]

Ok I have lived in 3 states in the last 7-8yrs and have dealt with title issues in all states, between states etc. I am now in Michigan and just bought the exact same ski for $200 w/trailer and just a hand written bill of sale. I was leery as well but worst case I thought I could part it out and make my money back. In MI the run the VIN number to see if there is a lien or is reported stolen. It took about 45mins for an answer and everything cleared. Title, registration, tax and everything $35bucks. Check with your DMV and tell them exactly what you are trying to do. I hope to get it in the water this weekend. Go for it.