Sundance Optima or Jacuzzi J385/J470

[JoeCappi]

Ok - I'm really narrowed down to these 3 tubs. Wet tested the Optima and a J495 (thats all they had set up) - got quoted on the J385 at $11,800 and J470 at $13900.
Havent gotten a price on the Optima yet. My question is, my Sundance dealer is telling me I need to compare the Optima to the J470 and my Jacuzzi dealer says its only comparable to the J385 - which one of these are the comparable model? By looking at them I'd say the J385 -

[Jacuzzi Jim]

Ok - I'm really narrowed down to these 3 tubs. Wet tested the Optima and a J495 (thats all they had set up) - got quoted on the J385 at $11,800 and J470 at $13900.
Havent gotten a price on the Optima yet. My question is, my Sundance dealer is telling me I need to compare the Optima to the J470 and my Jacuzzi dealer says its only comparable to the J385 - which one of these are the comparable model? By looking at them I'd say the J385 -

  The optima theoretically lines up to the 470 series wise, but in my opinion the 470 looks better.  Pump wise they are the same.  I would say also the J385 is pretty close to the Optima pump wise and size wise, with similar layout, but the Optima is flashier, different top side and good filtration.   Toss up, if your getting the Optima for the same price as a 385 I would take the Optima.  1000 or more higher probably not, J-385 any day of the week.

   One thing to think about with the J-470 is the cover.   It will run you close to 6,7 or 800 to replace when needed.  Not a lot of after market companies that build that cover, for us it was a factory order at 650.00  Might be worth asking the dealer what their price is. Then add inflation, because you won't need a new cover for say 5 or 6 years. 

[JoeCappi]

Jacuzzi Jim - Thank you for the feedback. Very much appreciated. I actually love the J470 - my biggest hold up is the cover as you explained. I eventually wanted to get the Covana cover when it was time to replace one and this tub is out if I want that. Also - how do you think those prices line up? $11,800 for J385 and $13,900 for J470?
I havent gotten a solid price for the Optima yet but from looking online I expect it to be in line with the J385. I love the seating in the Optima, I found this tub to be the most comfortable. I prefer the filtration in this tub as well. I just love the design of the J470 - and I found the Jacuzzi jets to be more theraputic as the Optima jets were strong, they were very different, more stationary I guess. I also like the lighting in the Jacuzzi a bit more. Not going with a stereo at all. Less to break down. So hard to decide.

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 The prices are a bit high.  You probably have some room to negotiate, worth a try anyway. I assume they all come with lift and or steps delivery.  Clear Ray is std so there should be no charge for that.  For what a covana cost you can pay for a few J-470 covers over the next 15 years. 

 

[JoeCappi]

I thought it was a bit high too,. Thank you!
I know the Covana is expensive but I love it. lol

[JoeCappi]

Finally pulled the trigger on a J470 - not at my local dealer but one that is delivering from the neighboring state. Saved about $5k from the local dealer who are total scammers. They wanted $16k - pls tx. I got out the door delivered for $12k on the button.