Opinions on buying a "demo" model? (GTX 260 iS Limited)

[Revo]

So, I have been shopping around to see what kind of deals I can get on the ski I want - a GTX 260 iS Limited.

Anyway, I went to a local place during a break I had with a buddy (Bert's Megamall), and WOW talk about overpriced! Full MSRP 16,999 + another 2K in handling and freight charges. Did some searching and found a dealer in Texas that had it at 14,900 - ended up to be 15,600 or so with handling and freight included. Figure that wasn't bad but it would cost me about $500 in gas for the round trip to go get it.

Anyway, I finally stumbled upon an ad that had one listed at 13,499 at a dealer about 100 miles away. I called right away and asked what extra fees were included, and this is where it got a bit interesting. The ad mentions NOTHING about the ski being a demo ski. It just says it's a brand new ski. When they finally call me back they tell me it's has 5 hours on it. They also tell me freight is $395 (cheapest so far, so fine with me) but they also tell me they have their "dealer markup" of $575.

Isn't that misleading advertising to discount the price but then re-add $600 back as a "markup?" Is that even legal? False advertising maybe? What about advertising a watercraft as "brand new" when it has 5 hours on it?

All that aside, what is everyone's opinion on buying this "demo" ski? The guy said the owner of the dealer took it to Havasu for a weekend. I do know from my research that the engines are limited for the first 5 hours. Normally I would be worried about the engine being improperly broken in but this break-in limit gives me some hope that it protected the engine. How much limiting are we talking? 1000rpm below redline? 2000 maybe? Is it even enough to really protect the engine from a negligent operator? Is there anything else I should look out for? I would give the hull a very thorough once over cause I don't believe in beaching my watercraft and I would absolutely not accept any scratches to the hull. Lastly, is there an easy way to inspect the impeller? I would want to make sure that the ski wasn't ridden hard in shallow waters resulting in damage that I would have to pay for soon after I bought it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[LouDoo]

O.K., well first of all 5 hours on a 4tec is nothing, the ski isn't even broken in, it's less than one days riding time. Was the dealer deceptive in advertising the ski as "new", well maybe, but in his defense he did disclose it was a demo before he made the sale.

I work at a car dealership, Cadillac, Volvo, Subaru, I'm the IT Director not in sales, but I do know a little about how things operate. A car can be sold as a demo or service loaner, with a new car warranty as long as it meets the following criteria. Never been titled out side the dealer, ie has a dealer tag, the car has to have less than 6000 miles, and of course never been wrecked. Also I don't know if all dealers do this but we extend the factory warranty to the miles on the car plus the standard warranty.

Personally I would go for it, not only are you saving money but also a long trip, plus you will have a ski from a local dealer. If you have any concerns ie impeller, wear ring, have the dealer remove the IBR and inspect it, also take a picture, it's only going to take a mechanic a few minutes to do this which I'm sure they will do to make the sale. Lets face it the with the money the dealer has invested in this ski he's not going to let just anybody ride it, especially without supervision.

Lou

 

[Coastiejoe]

I agree with Lou's post. I would press them a bit with the "added" money and try to hold then to the advertised price though.


Repairing and selling iPads, iPhones and Mini iPads.

 

[Brian J]

This dealer sounds shady right from the start. I'm sure there will plenty more fees to come by the time you get out the door.

With that said it's probably worth going to look at. As Coastie said I would try to hold them to that advertised price, print it out and bring it with you. Upon seeing the invoice my negotiation would probably go something like "I'm willing to pay this fee and this fee but not that fee and I want the price of the ski to be this price, the price advertised".

If you don't like how it shakes out just walk away and it only cost you 200 miles of driving.

 

[AircraftDoc]

The MegaMall is pretty shady. I have been there and walked out. Found a brand new used from private party. These guys are a motorcycle plus everything dealer.

 

[Revo]

O.K., well first of all 5 hours on a 4tec is nothing, the ski isn't even broken in, it's less than one days riding time.

Yeah I know 5 hours is very little in the grand scheme of things but break in is one of the most important times during an engines life...abusing it now can really be detrimental to the overall life and power of the engine.

Yeah, I'll give it some thought. I was thinking maybe ask them to drop the $575 mark up off and include the 10 hour initial service for free.