Looking at my first 4-TEC powered ski

[DeejaysGTI]

I am looking at a used 2012 RXT iS with 24 hours.

It has the B.E.S.T. Warranty until 2016.

Some work that was done recently by the dealer is that it has a new complete drivetrain, new intercooler with a relief valve, a new ride plate and new gauge.

The seller is asking $10,500 with a very good condition galvanized dual place Karavan trailer.



Here is where I am a bit concerned/worried.

He is a very honest guy and offered to store the ski at his (warm inside) location until April no charge, which is great because I don't have a place for it at the moment and it is not winterized.

What that means is, I'd be paying in full in exchange for the paperwork, which means NO TEST RIDE!

Should I not be concerned because I have the SeaDoo warranty? So if something IS wrong I can just go to the dealer?

Let me know your thoughts!

Thanks,
-DJ

 

[red2blue]

As for not being worried? heh...he's already replaced the entire drive train. Why?....it's 2yo....sorry...w/o a test ride...I'd walk away.

 

[DeejaysGTI]

As for not being worried? heh...he's already replaced the entire drive train. Why?....it's 2yo....sorry...w/o a test ride...I'd walk away.

I'm not sure I see why this is a problem unless the hull is trashed. He has good ties with the dealer so maybe they hooked him up?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Sadly, if you can't test ride it you have to buy it as though you will need an engine. Any other angle is financially dangerous.

What I would do is, agree on the price and hold 2-grand back until it can be test ridden. It will be in his possession so there is no risk of you or anyone else hurting it. If it runs as it should, pay the remaining funds. If not, you can pay to replace the engine.

That is how I would write up the agreement.

 

[DeejaysGTI]

Not a bad idea... But this leads me to my next thing, if it needed a motor for whatever reason (aside from some natural disaster or it sinking, which should be pretty obvious) wouldn't it be covered under warranty?

 

[red2blue]

Not a bad idea... But this leads me to my next thing, if it needed a motor for whatever reason (aside from some natural disaster or it sinking, which should be pretty obvious) wouldn't it be covered under warranty?

maybeso...here's the rub.

Why did it need a complete drive line after only 20+hrs? Who prepped the ski in the first place...who did the repairs? BRP is notorious for being azzholes when it comes to some warranty work. And potentially more...for the same prob? Good luck.

What I'm trying to say...There's a red flag flying here....and they aren't called stealerships for nuthin.

...it ain't my dime.

 

[AircraftDoc]

Drive south a couple of hours. Get a wet suit and test ride it. Couple of hundred spent testing is cheap insurance. Or wait a couple of months. If it lemoned on the previous owner will it lemon on you later? Sea Doo warranty. Dealers have issues doing warranty work, as many have complained about at this forum. $3,000 for an engine and labor is what I would withhold.

 

[DeejaysGTI]

Alright so I have a bit of an update and some misinformation, whether good or bad, you tell me.


Apparently the ski had a cracked inter-cooler from what I understand can cause water ingestion.

He said the upper half of the motor was replaced by the dealer, he meant valvetrain not drivetrain.

He said the dealer saw a nick in the chain. He said they did the upper half change out of good faith, and that problems from the previously cracked intercooler can cause problems 10 hours later. They were able to determine the bottom half of the motor was within spec.

I will also be able to place deposit instead of full $, and he said he won't take any of my money until I'm 100% satisfied, and we will water test in April.

Let me know if this changes anything ..

 

[Spimothy Leary]

I've heard good/bad things about the IS.... not having seat time on one makes it difficult to say how I feel about it, but you might want to read some more reviews on that subject before you move forward.

 

[DeejaysGTI]

I've heard good/bad things about the IS.... not having seat time on one makes it difficult to say how I feel about it, but you might want to read some more reviews on that subject before you move forward.

I have done a lot of reading about the iS. Having a bad back I think it might be a good option.

But there is no better way to know than seat time, like you said.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Yes, there was an issue with specific intercoolers and they were/are covered under warranty. So the story sounds legit.

As far as coverage goes, it often states that if neglect is found to be the cause, nothing is covered kind of thing. Soooo, you can't assume thigns are simply replaced just because there is some stated coverage.

If you can ride before and get your money back, then your risk is minimal to non-existent.

 

[DeejaysGTI]

Yes, there was an issue with specific intercoolers and they were/are covered under warranty. So the story sound legit.

As far as coverage goes, it often states that if neglect is found to be the cause, nothing is covered kind of thing. Soooo, you can't assume thigns are simply replaced just because there is some stated coverage.

If you can ride before and get your money back, then your risk is minimal to non-existent.

Thanks CoastieJoe, great responses as usual...

 

[Coastiejoe]

No problem, good luck with it all, hope it goes smoothly for you.