Buying a 1994 Sea-Doo XP

[siliev]

Hi guys,

I have recently started looking to buy a used jet ski for a low price and I found a 1994 Sea-Doo XP for $500 from a dealer selling it for cheap because it needs a few repairs. They told me over the phone that it does run but needs a carb kit because last time they started it (about a year ago) it was running a bit choppy as well as a new battery. I believe I will be able to rebuild the carb with a carb kit as it does not seem too difficult to do. However, I am wondering if maybe that will not be the only problem. I already read that I may need to replace the fuel hoses if they are the original grey ones which deteriorate and plug up the filter, but are there any other things I should look for?

I am planning to go take a look at it this weekend and would like to hear of any other things I should look out for before deciding to buy it.

Thank you!

 

[FinnExplorer]

Compression test is always good thing to do. And bring your own good known battery with you.

 

[siliev]

Are there any specs available somewhere as to what pressure readings would be considered good and bad?

 

[FinnExplorer]

150 psi is fresh engine and 130 is getting tired. Both cylinders should push similar numbers of course.

 

[siliev]

Great. Thanks for the info.

 

[FinnExplorer]

Watertest would also show you how it really behaves in water and if there's any leaks and such. Good luck!

 

[siliev]

That would certainly be the best pissible test but I am not sure if it would be possible. This is a bit of a risky buy but that is why it is cheap. I think if the compression test comes out good and the engine runs smooth after a carb rebuild, it should be ok but we'll see. I just want to actually be able to ride it this summer too and not spend all summer working on fixing it.

 

[FinnExplorer]

I just want to actually be able to ride it this summer too and not spend all summer working on fixing it.

I know the feeling, been there couple times myself

 

[blairwill4]

IMO I live here in fort wayne, (about 3 hours from chicago) If that thing doesnt come with a trailer, screw it. I can find you a good running 94 with a trailer for 800 all day around here. There are a lot of good deals on craigs right now for older doos like that all within a fair distance of chi town.

 

[siliev]

Yes I did kind of change my mind on that one specifically and found quite a few other good deals but for some reason I am not getting replies from anyone I try to contact. I must have replied to at least 7 or 8 ads for seadoos in the $1200-1600 range in running condition and a trailer.

If anyone knows of a good deal or is selling one around Chicago within that piece range please do let me know.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

agree with moving on from that particular one.... Although its not a terrible deal, its certainly not a good one.
remember to expand your keywords, sea doo seadoo seedoo see doo jetski, etc... people suck at spelling and list things wrong all the time, also check the area's around N S E W, since a reasonable drive of a hour each way might save you a couple hondo.

 

[siliev]

I got a little excited for that one because I really enjoy working on cars and while I have never worked on a jet ski I was excited to have a reason to dig into the motor and get my hands dirty working on it. But then I decided I want something that is ready to ride and I can just enjoy on the water

 

[siliev]

Any inputs on the 2014 SeaDoo Spark? I test drove a used SeaDoo this past weekend and the experience pretty much convinced me that it would be much better to spend a little more and finance a brand new SeaDoo Spark instead trying to find a good 1990's jet ski that would be just under half the cost of this brand new one. I know they are not so powerful but the Sparks are brand new and I also really like how they look.

 

[blairwill4]

Ive heard good things about them. You will find a lottt more reliability with a brand new ski obsiously. It is a four stroke so it will be lower maintinence and break down on you less. But when it does break down, be prepared to work harder to fix it, and spend more money. With a brand new ski though, as long as you do propper maintinence, Youll have plenty of ride time before any issues arise. If you can afford it, go for it.

And as for it being a slower ski, give it time. Theres already lots of tuning options and aftermarket ad ons arise every day. Guys will find a way to make them fast.