Very new to PWC, question on possible purchase

[ochem]

So, I couldn't be newer to PWC's, but I've want one (or two) for the longest time. I'm going to look a couple shortly and was hoping for any advice experienced owners may have for what to look at/for, etc..
Details

$1200
2 ski's plus tilt-able dual ski trailer
1996 GTI 3 seater
1995 GTX 3 seater

acquired from estate sale, doesn't know much about them. Doesn't know when they were in water last, but stickers say 2007 and 2010
admits there's some dings and fading in spots, suggests new seat covers, and GTX is missing the reverse bucket/nozzle
he was told the GTI will need a replacement programmable key, but the green one turned over with a new battery
Clean and clear titles.

Can you tell if the price is good, is there anything in particular I should look at/for. I'm mechanically inclined, but have no experience with water craft. There happens to be a place close by me that works on these, if I bought these, I'd plan on bringing them in there to get a once over.

Thoughts, ideas? should I consider this, or run for the hills?

Thanks in advance

 

[Coastiejoe]

The price is good. That said, these older skis almost always have fuel lines that need replaced, carbs totally rebuilt, and replace the fuel selector. All this before you start to ride the ski.

If you are mechanically inclined, we can certainly talk you through the steps required. If not, you may want to find skis that have the 4-tec engine instead of the 2-stroke engines.

 

[ochem]

Thanks for the reply. I'm looking up cost for these things now, but in your experience what would be your estimate for doing these things as a DIY vs bring to a shop. looks like parts for DIY will ~$70-$100 for parts minimum.
And would you suggest new seat covers, or refurbishing the covers on it?

At $1200, I figure if I can get away with <$500 in repairs for both ski's, I'll still be in good deal territory, do you agree?

 

[ochem]

Actually, with the lanyard, batteries, revers repair on the one, programmable key on the one seat covers in other parts you mentioned, looks more like~$850-$900 to get them both up to riding shape (maybe, who knows what else might be wrong)

$2000 - $2100 still seems pretty good?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Actually, with the lanyard, batteries, revers repair on the one, programmable key on the one seat covers in other parts you mentioned, looks more like~$850-$900 to get them both up to riding shape (maybe, who knows what else might be wrong)

$2000 - $2100 still seems pretty good?

I would suggest you figure an extra $1000 on top of the purchase price. If you could do the work yourself, that number will be lower. But with batteries and lanyards and what not, it would not be easy to spend $500 very quickly.