Need Help From The Experts!

[deadbase]

I am brand new to the forum and for the most part PWCs. We rode them alot in the early 90's a Lake of the Ozarks, but they were a friend's parents and not mine.
I am looking to get into them again, but don't want to spend alot right off the bat.
We have decided to spend about $1500 - $2000.
Can someone look at the following craigslist ads and tell me which they would go with and possibly what questions I need to ask:

http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/boa/1881431369.html < I can get for $1800

http://dubuque.craigslist.org/for/1920755121.html < I can get for $1500

I hope im not asking alot, I just don't know alot about this.
Thanks in advance!

 

[SurfBeat]

Turn on your computer, do a search under "Kelly Blue Book," then when you pull up KBB go to the bottom right hand side of the home page and look for "Personal Watercraft. Therein you can do your research for pricing on any sea craft you want.

 

[deadbase]

Wasn't asking about price......

 

[SurfBeat]

Excuse me.

1st, ask what type of oil did they use. If they say anything but an API TC Low Ash oil, (can be any brand) as the Ventures played in 1960, Run, Don't Walk. Ask to see the oil container to verify, or ask where they purchased it.

Next, ask for service records. If none, ask how they stored they Doo's when not in use. Ask if the "winterized" it, i.e., fogged the engine, put gas stablizer in the gas tank, checked the oil in the jet pump, etc.

If all question were affirmatively answered, then take it out for a ride. If the owners refuse, then again, Run, Don't Walk.

Doo's can start up quickly on a trailer, but not run when WOT on the water.

Was this info any better than the 1st?

 

[deadbase]

Excuse me.

1st, ask what type of oil did they use. If they say anything but an API TC Low Ash oil, (can be any brand) as the Ventures played in 1960, Run, Don't Walk. Ask to see the oil container to verify, or ask where they purchased it.

Next, ask for service records. If none, ask how they stored they Doo's when not in use. Ask if the "winterized" it, i.e., fogged the engine, put gas stablizer in the gas tank, checked the oil in the jet pump, etc.

If all question were affirmatively answered, then take it out for a ride. If the owners refuse, then again, Run, Don't Walk.

Doo's can start up quickly on a trailer, but not run when WOT on the water.

Was this info any better than the 1st?

Fantastic!
Thanks! :cheers:

 

[FritoB]

Tough call

I would probably lean toward the 98. Make sure to check for gray fuel lines in any of the late 90's SeaDoo's as they are bad news and have to be replaced. Search this site for Gray Fuel Lines and you will learn all about it. Go for long test rides and start and stop the motor several times to see how it restarts after use. Spend time on this site searching the year and model you are considering and you will learn alot. Good luck!:cheers: