New Buyer - 2018 Hot Springs Grandee or 2017 Caldera Makena

[tdoga2]

I know I'm comparing apples to oranges here but I thought I'd throw this out there to get opinions.  I have a couple of deals in my local area for floor models and I need a little advice on which way to go.  Here are the options:

2017 Caldera Makena, never been filled floor model, includes cover, lifter and steps for $8100 + sales tax.
or
2018 Hot Springs Grandee, filled floor model, includes cover, lifter, steps and ACE Salt for $12400 + sales tax

I know my comparison is a little apples to oranges but I'm interested to know what the best value would be between these two.  We like them both in terms of their features and we're both comfortable in them.

Thoughts?  Suggestions?  Alternatives?
Thanks,   --T

[castletonia]

Couple things.  Is the Grandee an NXT?  Being that it is filled, how long has the ACE cell been in use?

Are these from the same dealer?  If not, is one of the dealers more reputable than the other? 

I know the Makena is a 2017 (there was no difference between a 2017 and 2018) but that is a great price.  I would be curious though why they still have a 2017 model.  As for the Grandee, if it is an NXT, that is a crazy low price.  If it is a regular Grandee, that is still a really low price.  Assuming everything is equal to you and money is not the deciding factor, I would try to wet test both and see which you like the best.  Both Hot Spring and Caldera are owned by Watkins, so mfg support will be the same.

[d00nut]

If money is no object... spend more! 

Both are low prices.  Can't go wrong.  Even if the ACE cell is used... it's still a good deal.  I'd ask for a new ACE cell though

[tdoga2]

My responses to your questions below in red.

Couple things.  Is the Grandee an NXT?  Being that it is filled, how long has the ACE cell been in use?

The Grandee is not an NXT.  It's "just" a High Life.

Are these from the same dealer?  If not, is one of the dealers more reputable than the other? 

They are from different dealers, but both are quite reputable.

I know the Makena is a 2017 (there was no difference between a 2017 and 2018) but that is a great price.  I would be curious though why they still have a 2017 model.  As for the Grandee, if it is an NXT, that is a crazy low price.  If it is a regular Grandee, that is still a really low price.  Assuming everything is equal to you and money is not the deciding factor, I would try to wet test both and see which you like the best.  Both Hot Spring and Caldera are owned by Watkins, so mfg support will be the same.

Good question about the Makena and why they still have a 2017.  It seems curious, and I'll ask.  Another poster asked about the ACE electrode - I think it likely has a few months on it.  I would ask for a new one.

Thank you again for your help.  Let me know if this changes your opinions/recommendations.

[castletonia]

Doesn't really change anything.  As d00nut said, I would as for a new salt cell or see if they would include an extra one in with the purchase. 

[Roeboat]

I purchased a demo-floor model 2018 Makena that was used 2-3 months for $8,000 including cover, steps, set-up, delivery and 1 year of FROG cartridges. So I would work them on that price. I will bump the Makena thread for you.

[Hottubguy]

I purchased a demo-floor model 2018 Makena that was used 2-3 months for $8,000 including cover, steps, set-up, delivery and 1 year of FROG cartridges. So I would work them on that price. I will bump the Makena thread for you.

You got a ridiculous price. I sell lots of Makena/ Salinas for 10k plus. Very popular tubs. I’m doing a clearance end of year sale on my remaining 2018 inventory and I’m still $1800 more then you paid and they are selling quick

[tdoga2]

Thank you all very much for the valuable input!  I have another option that just popped up at the Hot Springs Dealer:

2018 Hot Springs Pulse in Platinum Shell/Grey Cabinet, Audio w/ Sub Installed, ACE Salt, High-end matching steps, Cover-Lifter, Delivery/Installation, full tutorial and water testing by same reputable dealer.  $9995 out the door & dealer covers tax.  It's the color we really want and it fits us well.  Thinking of pulling the trigger.  Thoughts/concerns?

[hottubdan]

Great deal! It really comes down to which one is best for you.

[swilly1000]

Don't let the audio be a tipping point.  It will not be nearly as good as an external boombox and it will fail.

[castletonia]

Your dealer is being super aggressive on price.  Regardless of whether you should have a stereo or not, the price is really good.  I sold my 2018 Pulse for $10.5k + tax without ACE and no music. 

You are getting great pricing on all 3 models you are looking at.  The Grandee is a step up from either the Pulse or Makena.  You just need to decide what is best for you and whether the Grandee is worth the additional money over the Pulse.