Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: TTyacke on August 16, 2005, 06:21:33 pm

Title: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: TTyacke on August 16, 2005, 06:21:33 pm
It looks like we are going to purchase the Hot Springs Vanguard tomorrow, unless somebody can talk me out of it.  Our first choice was the Arctic Tundra, but could not fit it into our $10,000 budget, and also looked at the Jacuzzi Premium J-365 (only 1 local dealer concerned me).  I am not real thrilled with the price on the Vanguard ($9,050 + tax), but it includes all the upgrades but steps and SpAudio.  The local HS dealer is great and I can't argue with their track record.  Hopefully making the right decision.
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: East_TX_Spa on August 16, 2005, 06:33:09 pm
Congratulations!!!  You are getting an excellent spa at a fair price.  You'll be able to enjoy it, hassle free, for the next 20 years or so.  Enjoy! ;D

Terminator
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: Spatech_tuo on August 16, 2005, 07:14:34 pm
Congrats.

Arctic, Jacuzzi and Hot Springs are all good products so you'd do fine with any of them. People routinely start to look at spas with a certain budget in mind and then find they end up spending more than they planned to get what they truly want (you don't want to settle for less and then look to upgrade 2 years from now). Remember, it needs to last a very long time so it pays to buy a high quality spa and Hot Springs certainly qualifies.
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: mark 2550 on August 16, 2005, 07:27:41 pm
What upgrades are we talking about ?
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: mxw128 on August 16, 2005, 08:37:08 pm
TT, Have you thought about not getting the Spaudio?  There are some other threads on this board that discuss its value, but I was just wondering if you have listened to it?  I don't know where you are located, but you might (should?) be able to get it for quite a bit less w/o the spaudio installed.  Anyway, just a thought.  

(BTW: Congrats!, it's a great tub.  I just got mine a week ago Friday.  So far we love it!)
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: drprwnap on August 16, 2005, 09:32:21 pm
Congrats on the Vanguard.  This is the tub we almost bought until we tried the Epic.  HS makes a great product, IMO. We just happen to find one that fit US better.  Hope you enjoy the spa and have many happy, trouble free soaking years!

drprwnap  8)
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: bosco0633 on August 16, 2005, 10:19:57 pm
Congrats, I remember going through all the research, wait until it is in your backyard, you will not regret one moment of your search.

I am bias a bit, I have the arctic tundra and I love it more than anything.  It was alot out of my budget, but as many people told me on this forum, spend a little more now and you wont regret it later.  

Hot spring make a great tub, dont cut corners now, you will be happy down the road trust me.


welcome to the family
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: TTyacke on August 16, 2005, 10:45:22 pm
The Vanguard we are ordering does not have the SpAudio or steps.  It has the cover, coverlifter, ever fresh system, ect.  The Marquis Epic is probably one of the only spas we have not seen yet, and they are manufactured just an hour and 1/2 from our house.  I was a little concerned with their warranty, but I have heard they are a good tub.
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: Ritz on August 17, 2005, 08:46:58 am
I bought my Vanguard in April and we're still in it nearly every night.  I'm sure it'll cost more in the winter - but so far I haven't noticed it in my electric or water bills..

FYI - the dealer here in Northern Ohio lists the 2005 Vanguard at 9400.... and I don't know if it includes ozone or cover lifter...
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: jsimo7 on August 17, 2005, 11:36:46 am
Hi Ritz where are you from in Ohio I bought my Envoy from Jobrite spas in Akron and I live in Wooster
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: cappykat on August 17, 2005, 11:45:06 am
ttyake...why do you say you're concerned with Marquis' warranty?  It's virtually one of the most simple we've seen.  No limitations, no exclusions...and it's transferable.  Pretty simple.

I don't know where you live, but we got a price of $7495 for the Vanguard with everything EXCEPT the spaaudio.

Just IMO...if you haven't looked at the Marquis line it might be worth it.  We bought the Epic with everything including their audio system for .  Since the Marquis is manufactured so close you ought to get a great deal.

Either way, you can't go wrong.
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: hymbaw on August 17, 2005, 12:44:37 pm
Do you have a Sundance Dealer in your area? Did you visit them? I used to sell HS and agree with all the glowing reviews above. However, IMHO I think that currently the 880 Series Sundance tubs are giving more bang for that kind of buck.
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: TTyacke on August 17, 2005, 01:29:46 pm
I am going to look at the Marquis this morning, just in case.  From what I remember their warranty period for parts and labor was only 3 years, which is what I was concerned about.  Also, I looked at the Sundance line a few months ago and was not overly impressed (could not get anyone to answer my questions), but I may look at them after Marquis.  Still planning on purchasing the Vanguard this afternoon, unless I am blown away by one of the others.
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: cappykat on August 17, 2005, 03:07:34 pm
Marquis' warranty is 7 years exterior and interior surfaces, structure, and plumbing.  Major components and systems, such as pumps, heaters, and solid-state electronics are 5 years.  They warranty all factory installed parts for 3 years.  That includes lights, cover, fuses, EVERYTHING.  Many others only warranty those for 1 year.

Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: hair on August 17, 2005, 04:47:04 pm
did you wet test an artesian platinum series?  you could get a piper glenn or dove canyon below 10K.  i have the dove canyon and love it!  go to artesianspas.com.
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: TTyacke on August 17, 2005, 11:25:52 pm
Wow, we did a 180 and bought the Marquis Epic.  Has everything but the sound system for $8500, tax included.  It will be delivered August 31, just in time for the big weekend.  Thanks for the advice. ;D
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: stuart on August 18, 2005, 12:38:53 am
Congrats! I'm right there with you on the Epic....It really is a spa of "Epic Proportions".

I can't believe dealers are selling it that low...That is a lower margin than most of the other spas sold here. My advice is those looking to buy quick, Marquis has never had a $9000 plus spa so dealers are really underselling it and making little or no money. They will soon learn or they will just not stock it or even worse not survive.

The one thing I do know is that your in good company as these things are selling like hotcakes!
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: Perk1 on August 18, 2005, 09:35:27 am
That looks like a very nice spa...I thought the price on the Vangaurd was a bit steep IMHO.  I own the HS Landmark and have loved it since day one.  Good luck with your spa and the price you paid will melt away with the first soak and after the second soak you will probably agree you would have paid double and not understand why you haven't had one for years!!!

Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: drprwnap on August 18, 2005, 02:57:20 pm
GREAT choice, TTyacke!!  My wife was sold on a Vanguard until I got her to try the Epic.  Don't get me wrong, the Vanguard is a great tub but the Epic is by far better, IMHO.
HS makes a great product.  I wanted an Envoy but it didn't fit my wife.  The lack of leg/foot jets on the Vanguard kept me looking (thank goodness).  Anyway, enjoy the tub, we'll have to compare notes after I get mine. Keep us informed as to install, ect.

drprwnap  8)
Title: Re: After 10 months of searching, the winner is...
Post by: Poohbear66 on August 18, 2005, 03:35:13 pm
Hi,
The Vanguard is an Excellent spa!  You will love it!  The price is a bit high...but otherwise an excellent deal!