Used 2007 Jacuzzi J-335 vs New 2010 Hot Spot Relay

[bdfailor]

I am a newbie to SPAs and am getting my deck built this month for it.  I went to Spa-Crafters (local Jacuzzi dealer here in San Antonio, TX). 

I have a couple of questions/concerns.

1.)  The salesmen has six used J-335's with radio from the local Grand Hyatt hotel that were left out in the sun without any care or circulation.  Some of them have a lot of damage.  The Salesman told me that they were going to replace everything and recondition all damage to make it "like new".  He was asking $7000 for them, and I told him I wouldn't pay more than $4000.  He finally came down to $6000 for the one in the worst condition.  He also will honor a 2 year warranty.  When I saw it, it was completely taken apart and looks like they have their work cut out for them.  Is this an outrageous thing to consider getting? 

2.)  I wet tested a J-400 series (not sure which) and a Hot Spot Relay (by Hot Springs).  It felt like the Hot Spot's Jets were very needle like and left my skin itchy, while the J-400 were much more smooth and deep feeling (also much more adjustable).  The little jets were not controllable and couldn't turn them off without turning off the whole section.  They were asking $5500 for the HS without the radio and said it was originally $7800.  What are your thoughts on Hot Spot Relay 2010?

3.)  In the Hot Spot Relay and J-400 there was a Lounge.  I seem to like the lounge but have read most people don't.  thoughts?

4.)  What is the best price I can get for a new 2010 J-335 or J-445 with/without stereo?  They are telling me the best they can do after a $500 dollar weekend sell + $500 dollar Home & Garden Show (with steps & cover) is $7600 for J-335 (without stereo) and $8600 with stereo.  Does this seem high?  Where can I get a better deal?

5.)  Any thing else I should consider?  I'm trying to find something that has Jets like Jacuzzi (bearing-less, full air introduction at the jet, and smooth/deep/non-itchy feeling) in a $5000 dollar range new?  Is it possible to find a J-335/J-345 for that?

[ndabunka]

$6K is WAY, WAY too much for a used J-335.  Typically, used tubs sell for about 50% of what they did new and since the J-335 was one of the smaller tubs in '07, it sold for around $7K BRAND NEW so a "reasonable" price would probably be more like $3,500 for one that was in EXCELLENT condition.  Check your local newspapers to see what your options are.

[bdfailor]

How about the new prices?  Do you recommend buying one from a private party instead of an official Jacuzzi dealer (that can warranty/service the tub)?

[Vanguard]

I know that market pretty well.  I have to suggest you go see the folks at Sweetwater Hot Tubs.  They are great people and are great dealers.  They sell Caldera, which is the sister brand to Hot Spring.  They will treat with very fair. 

Their website is www.sweetwaterhottubz.com

[bdfailor]

Thanks, I will go check it out tomorrow.

Any other suggestions?  Would I be crazy to pay $8600 for a new J-335 with stereo?

[Jacuzzi Jim]

  First off going from a HS relay to a J-400 series is like comparing a Lexus to a VW bug no comparison!!  2nd to have 6 J-335s with stereo's from 1 hotel is B,chit never been to a hotel with 6 of the same spa's let alone 6 Jacuzzi's that were as bad as you say, not calling you a liar but hard to believe and if true the sales guy is playing you!  3rd I really doubt you will find a J-335/J-345 or above in a 5000 price range I would be amazed if you did.  Sorry but what your saying makes no sense,I could be wrong and if so I apologize good luck in your search and if the sales guy is pitching that much BS run away, real fast!

 To add a 2010 J-335 with a stereo at 8600 is a really really good price but skip the J-335 and get the J-345 without a stereo and save some cash.

[bdfailor]

Jacuzzi Jim,

Everything you said, is exactly what went through my mind when the sales guy was feeding me that info. 

"According to him, they installed the spas on the roof top lounge area at the really nice Grand Hyatt in downtown San Antonio before the construction was done.  They left them out in our 100+ degree weather (51 days straight of over 100) last summer and didn't have them covered.  The headrest literally looked shrunken, and a lot of the pieces looked faded.  They were all Graphite (black) interior which only made matters worse.  Supposedly they took them back and gave the Hyatt all brand new ones.  Maybe I should take a quick swing by the Hyatt and have them tour me through this area :-).

As for the J-400 vs HS Relay, I couldn't agree with you more.  That was the only two I could wet test in the store.  I focused only on the seats in the J-400 that had the same jets that were in the J-335 so I could get a decent comparison on what the Jacuzzi Jets felt like compared to Hot Springs (Hot Spot).  Obviously I thought the Jacuzzi Jets were far more comfortable on low and high settings.

I know I can't get it for $5000 new, but my question is: Is $8600 for a new J-335 with stereo to much?  He is telling me that, its $1000 off of $9600 and he is throwing in a free cover and steps.  I'm in sales, and I can only imagine at the end of the month going into winter, they have to be looking to close a sale.

[Jacuzzi Jim]

Jacuzzi Jim,

Everything you said, is exactly what went through my mind when the sales guy was feeding me that info. 

"According to him, they installed the spas on the roof top lounge area at the really nice Grand Hyatt in downtown San Antonio before the construction was done.  They left them out in our 100+ degree weather (51 days straight of over 100) last summer and didn't have them covered.  The headrest literally looked shrunken, and a lot of the pieces looked faded.  They were all Graphite (black) interior which only made matters worse.  Supposedly they took them back and gave the Hyatt all brand new ones.  Maybe I should take a quick swing by the Hyatt and have them tour me through this area :-).

As for the J-400 vs HS Relay, I couldn't agree with you more.  That was the only two I could wet test in the store.  I focused only on the seats in the J-400 that had the same jets that were in the J-335 so I could get a decent comparison on what the Jacuzzi Jets felt like compared to Hot Springs (Hot Spot).  Obviously I thought the Jacuzzi Jets were far more comfortable on low and high settings.

I know I can't get it for $5000 new, but my question is: Is $8600 for a new J-335 with stereo to much?  He is telling me that, its $1000 off of $9600 and he is throwing in a free cover and steps.  I'm in sales, and I can only imagine at the end of the month going into winter, they have to be looking to close a sale.

 The cover comes with the spa shouldn't really be an extra cost to you and as I mentioned, (unless you really want it) skip the stereo tell him to throw the lift in and its a deal.  Negotiate the ozone in for 200.00   FWIW you still can't compare the hot spot to the J-335 you need to jump above the hot spot to a actual Hot Spring spa like a Prodigy (1 pump) or Vanguard not a off shoot spa like the Limelight or hot spot.

[bdfailor]

Thanks Jacuzzi Jim,

So your saying $7600 for the new 2010 J-335 without stereo, with cover, steps, cover lift, and ozone is a good deal, or just normal everyday price?

Also would you get the J-335 or J-345(without lounge) since they are the same price, or is that just a personal preference type of thing?

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 That would be a good price in our store, and yes I like the J-345 better.  2 divertor hndls and a few more jets here and there the lounge in the 335 takes up a seat depending on how many will be using it?

[bdfailor]

Do you agree with "ndabunka", that 6k is way to much for a 3-year old, reconditioned J-335 with stereo, cover, lift, ozone, and steps?

[bdfailor]

Anybody else have an opinion on the used vs new J-335?  Anybody else see any better deals on a new J-335 for $7600?

[Jacuzzi Jim]

Do you agree with "ndabunka", that 6k is way to much for a 3-year old, reconditioned J-335 with stereo, cover, lift, ozone, and steps?

 Yes I would, it really comes down to how bad of shape are the spa's really in?  Would love to see a picture of it see if they will let you take some?

  I would say it should be more like 3500.00 once again depending on condition.  I believe you said they would give it a 2 year warranty?  That would work for me just not at 6000

[bdfailor]

I'll see if I can get some pics with my iP4 when I go back to wet test the J-335 and hopefully the J-345.  It'll have to wait until next weekend as I'm out of town all week.

Thanks Jacuzzi Jim.

Any other opinions on the thread?

[RUBADUBDUB]

7600 Brand new is a great deal as Jim said. Used spas scare me PERIOD and the sales reps story does seem strange. You can't go wrong with a Jacuzzi spa. The J-345 is a wonderful spa! A frined of mine got one and they LOVE IT!