Wet Tested the Used J385 (Updated with Results)

[Brookenstein]

I asked my husband last night if I could get it, he said no... I held up a Big Bacon Classic from Wendy's and said how bout now, and he said sure.    Okay, I watch way too much tv.   BUT, it is a true story.                  

After trying for more than 10 days, calls to 3 different electricians I still don't have a firm bid on my electrical, but I said screw it.  I know I need about 100 feet... so hopefully it can't cost that much (more than I have budgeted for).

The kids and I are going to take our suits and take the 100 miles journey up to see it this afternoon.  Is there anything specific that we should look for, ask about, watch out for, etc?

[Chris_H]

I wouldn’t pay more that $200 bucks for the gazebo.  I don’t think that gazebo costs the dealers much more.

[Brookenstein]

The gazebo is built into the price of the spa... I agree it doesn't add much value.  He says he paid $750 for it, but it doesn't look much different to me than what Target sells for a couple hundred.  Though it does have misters and lighting.  It also has sides that aren't on in his pics because where he lives its too windy.

Its an 04 J-385 with stereo that he's had since June of 04.  He's got about $250 worth of chemicals that he's throwing in as well.  He was asking $4500.  I have him down to $4k.

[East_TX_Spa]

That's the same gazebo they sell at Academy Sporting Goods for $110.  Hogwash on the $750.

Definitely open up the equipment door and check for signs of rodent infestation (droppings, gnawed wires and plumbing).  Bang on the side of the cabinet to see if bees or monkeys fly out.  If they do, don't run, play dead!  Look at the filter.  If it is filthy, it might give you some indication of how well they took care of it.  Check screws and fittings and make sure they're not rusted or broken.  Lift the cover yourself and see how heavy it is.

Be careful on your trip and don't talk to strangers.  Oh yeah, have a good time in the spa!

Terminator

[Chris_H]

$4k is not a bad price for an 04 J-385.  It is extremely reasonable.

[Brookenstein]

Terminator, you are killing me.  You realize that right.    Everything in Texas might be bigger, but everything in Cali costs more.    I over paid for my house by like $200k.. I could see overpaying for a gazebo by $600.  

Chris, thanks for the input on the price.  Thats reassuring.

[Rayman]

Bring a trailer with you, looks like a nice deal if Monkeys don't fly out.

Rayman

[Spatech_tuo]

That's the same gazebo they sell at Academy Sporting Goods for $110.  Hogwash on the $750.

I've seen that gazebo 100 times. they're decent for teh price which is in fact under $150 cause I've asked a few times.

[Brookenstein]

$150 with the side panels, lighting and misters?

Guess even Target is overpriced.  I was guessing it was worth at least $300.

[Spatech_tuo]

$150 with the side panels, lighting and misters?

Guess even Target is overpriced.  I was guessing it was worth at least $300.

OK, lighting and misters extra (make sure you let your electrician know you need power to those also). Lighting can be nice. Misters are overrated usually though if you live in the desert I'm sure they're handy part of the year.

[Pathfinder]

I hope the wet test goes well   $4000 US for a one year old tub seems to me  a good deal considering a new 385 im looking at is about $5000 more in your dollars  up here resales on hut tubs are very good ive seen people pay $4000 cdn for an 8 yr old tub    

Best of luck

[socal]

brook

are you getting the disconnect with the spa?? if so, then any extra for the electrician is about zero. it will already be set up for the lights/mistres. if you are not geting the existing disconnect, then yes, you will need to inform the electrician that you will need an outlet with the disconnect. its not as bad as it sounds, so dont worry   good luck on your journey, drive safe, and try to take 5 minutes to enjoy the soak  

[Brookenstein]

I haven't negotiated the disconnect yet.  I figured I would try to do it in person.  I figure cash in hand is a more serious bargaining tool than just over the phone when I haven't even seen it in person yet.  I may also see if I can negotiate the patio furniture.    (They are selling everything inside and outside the house...)

I just hope my bank branch is open with the holiday today... they are open on Sundays, so there is hope.  I'm not sure I can get enough out of the ATM to leave as a deposit.

[socal]

who knows, if they are selling everything, they might have already tossed the disconnect in with the deal!! but, as usual, you are right. cash in hand is a big barganing tool.
today is a holiday??? which 1??? if i knew it was a holiday i would have taken today off  

[Spatech_tuo]

I haven't negotiated the disconnect yet.  I figured I would try to do it in person.  

Leave the kids at home and wear your skimpiest suit!