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Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, Sundance if your budget is "higher end"...Viking, Nordic, Freeflow are good "budget friendly" options
The seller just moved it from out-of-state and was going to use it until...
Thanks for all the great help.I found a 2007 J-230 for $1750. The spa is perfect and hardly used. But here's the catch: it's been in storage for three years and isn't currently installed or running. The seller just moved it from out-of-state and was going to use it until they found a home that already had a pool/spa (that story checks out via tax records). The access panel reveals more perfect looking equipment. What else can be determined without power? The filter bucket (?) is missing, but they say they just need to find it - if they can't, what is it I need to replace and what will it cost? I wish I could locate a parts list and the manual doesn't show it.So since it cannot be turned on, what's the potential start-up/repair costs? $1K? I have kept away from used spas for fear of other people's problems, but getting a Jucuzzi has provided me with hope that everything can be repaired. Is my hope poorly placed?I found someone to move it and get it going for $400 (no electrical for that - and no major problems either, of course). Reasonable?Thanks!Tom
QuoteThe seller just moved it from out-of-state and was going to use it until... What state did he move it from? So, some additional banging around in transit should be considered - you won't know if anything loosened up (or was damaged internally) until you fill and run it.Secondly, if it was a state that has cold winters, if he didn't winterize this tub before storing it for those few years, this thing could have leaks and hair-line cracks all over the place that would be near impossible to detect right now.Anyway to confirm he was the original owner?
So the way I see it you are choosing between a 5 year old used spa that is a question mark delivered for $2100 with no warranty or a new spa that would be delivered for lets say $7k (taxes included assuming you're going with a good but not extravagant new one) with a warranty of probably 3 years or so?
Unless you can say you are a true DIYer who has no hesitation to take on any issues that arise all by yourself (and you're a gambler) I would say stay away from a spa that has been sitting dry for 3 years. Yes, I know he said it worked great before he disconnected it... There is a reason we tell people to ignore any spas that are not filled and up to temp let alone one that has sat for 3 years. No matter how great they may look, how it looks sitting dry in someone's garage means little to me. What would you rather buy, a used spa that looks a bit "ratty" but is filled, dry around it, up to temp and fully operational or one that looks great sitting empty but has not run for 3 years, has been moved multiple times and is a big question mark?
Quote from: Spatech_tuo on December 19, 2012, 12:01:36 amUnless you can say you are a true DIYer who has no hesitation to take on any issues that arise all by yourself (and you're a gambler) I would say stay away from a spa that has been sitting dry for 3 years. Yes, I know he said it worked great before he disconnected it... There is a reason we tell people to ignore any spas that are not filled and up to temp let alone one that has sat for 3 years. No matter how great they may look, how it looks sitting dry in someone's garage means little to me. What would you rather buy, a used spa that looks a bit "ratty" but is filled, dry around it, up to temp and fully operational or one that looks great sitting empty but has not run for 3 years, has been moved multiple times and is a big question mark?I feel like I can fix or repair most anything - but I am nervous that it could have leaks that can't be seen...Thanks for your help!Tom
PS - If you are willing to give this tub a shot, at the very least, I would insist that he agrees to a contract you write up in which you have 5 business days to verify all works fine (and pay half down as a token of good faith); otherwise the tub can be returned and you get your half down back. If he is unwilling to do this, walk (run!!!!!!) away.
Hi guys,I'm back and want to report that I did not purchase the original non-running tub - we just weren't able to get it hooked up. So I've gone the dealer route and have purchased a 2008 J-355 with sound system.I felt as this was best as they gave me a one year warranty and will make sure it gets delivered and working correctly and it was still in my price range.They're bring it by this after noon. Thanks for all your great advice!Tom