Sea-Doo Purchase

[bills96gtx]

I'm looking at buying a 2005 Sea-Doo GTI RFI in good condition for $2k. The only downside is that it's an ex-rental. Yay or Nay?

 

[seadoosnipe]

Nay....

You don't want someone elses headache. Yeah, it sounds like a good deal. But, these machines are abused really bad. Think about where it's at, what it's used for.

Somone that owns a ski, takes it out in the summer, maybe once or twice a week. Maybe, during the week a few times a season, putting a few hours on here and there.
But, a rental is in the water being blasted by someone who could care less if the handle bars fell off. The maintenance on them is basic......

I'd stay away from one of these things............:cheers:

 

[bills96gtx]

Thanks for the advice. How many hours do the Sea-Doo 787's usually last?. I've seen some 1997 GTX's for sale that range from 59 hours to 212 hours on them

 

[seadoosnipe]

787 Rotax?....

That's a good question.

I got one in my Challenger that is 12 years old and still holds 145 to 150 psi on the compression.

It's not how many hours the rental has, it's how new the motor with those same amount of hours.

Would you buy a 2007 SUV from a Car Rental company with 275,000 miles on it? When if it were bought as the family vehicle by an individual would probably have about 30 or 40,000 on it.

The 787 is a great engine, don't get me wrong. Just, from what I have read, rentals aren't a good purchase.

 

[bills96gtx]

The guy that has the ex rental ski has said I can do a compression test and test ride the ski. Would a compression test give me approx. hours and condition of engine?


Thanks

 

[seadoosnipe]

Yeah....

Yeah, a compression test would give you some idea as to how healthy the cylinders are.

How bad do you want this thing?

What kind of condition is it in, asthetically?

If you think it's a good deal and you want to look into it further, do the compression test and post the results. If you don't know how to do one, let us know.........:cheers:

 

[sporsterjoel]

I wouldnt you can buy a used private 2004 seadoo rxp 215hp with a 100-160hr for $3500-$4800 right now so im sure you can find a private one for the same price as the rental.

 

[bills96gtx]

Here are a couple photos of the 2005

 

[seadoosnipe]

Looks nice...!

It looks nice but I agree with sporsterjoel.

With the reantal sales, you have no idea of the history of this machine. How it was treated, whether it ingested water....or anything; just the word of the guy selling saying, "it was a rental.". By law, they have to tell you it's a rental but beyond that, they aren't required to tell you anything.

I'd think about it.....

 

[bills96gtx]

I think I might stick with getting another '97 GTX. They seem like good machines and right now prices are between $1500-$2000 and are running 101 and 122 hours on them.

 

[sporsterjoel]

Keep looking there's better deals out there......

 

[bills96gtx]

I found this '97 GTX locally for $1300. It's from freshwater (tahoe) and only has 111.8 hours on the clock. Plus i'm going to be able to test ride it before purchase

 

[seadoosnipe]

Awesome!

That's an awesome looking machine. Really clean. If the engine compartment looks as clean as the outside, you may have a really good deal on that one.

Remember, the one most single important thing you need to do is a compression test. I recommend this to someone buying anything with a motor in it............this is kinda like a quick check-up.......:cheers:

 

[bills96gtx]

Here's a photo of the engine compartment

 

[timmyboy76]

I'm a little south from ya, and you dont compression it/buy it, give me the address.....:rofl:
Awesome look'n ski, brother

 

[sporsterjoel]

Look really clean with a nice shine to it..... Id say someone looked after that ski.

 

[bills96gtx]

Any suggestions on who has the best price for a decal set?. My only concern with it is it's cleaner then my fiancee's '97 GTX so now i'll be stuck with her's!!

Thanks

 

[sporsterjoel]

you could get some nice custom ones made up??? also make her agree that this is your ski and there will be no switchin LOL make her agree befor she see it.....

 

[seadoosnipe]

Make it look ugly....

Nah, you got to use reverse psychology to keep her from wanting yours.

Get some WD-40, spray it all over the engine. Then, sprinkle it with dark coffee grounds. The oil will cause it to stick. This will make the engine look old and dirty.

After she realizes her ski is better then yours.......then, you can clean it all back up...............:rofl:

 

[bills96gtx]

I just called the guy to setup a time to pick it up and he sold it to a friend. So now it's back to searching

 

[timmyboy76]

I just called the guy to setup a time to pick it up and he sold it to a friend. So now it's back to searching

:ack:, thats a bummer...well, if the other ski aint ur chicks, then..you aint out...:rofl:

 

[bills96gtx]

I'm talking to a guy that has a 1998 GTX Limited with 160 hours and the shop told him it has low compression on 1 cylinder. What would cause it?. I can understand if it had 300-400 hours but 160?

 

[timmyboy76]

Hypothetically...

Giv'n the time you spend on a weekend outing, divide it by 160hrs...to me, thats a few trips.
Normal wear and tear, stud, maybe lack of oil/didn't pay attention to resivoir, will wear her down sooner...

 

[bills96gtx]

If it's in good shape and runs would $1000 be reasonable?. I would like to ride it awile before I sink alot of money into something.

Thanks

 

[timmyboy76]

hey bill. ski aint gonna run worth a damn,...hate to break it to ya.
But for a grand, then gut it, send motor to sbt, and for 800-1000 more, than you have, basically, brand new ski...?