Used hot tub (private seller)

[mbn]

There is a local gentleman selling a Down East 06-300T 5 person hot tub and is wanting an offer on it.  It has been up and running and all work and maintenance done by the local dealer.  It's in very good condition for 10 year old tub.  New tubs are not in my budget right now but if I could get a good deal this would make an ideal addition to my deck and porch I built last year.  Any idea of a fair price?   Any and all opinions welcome.
Thanks
Mike

[Brewman]

I'd offer to take it off of his hands for free.  
You have to consider your total costs for a spa, including any foundation and electrical and moving costs.
Brewman

[rocket]

What year is it?

How is the cover?  Definitely ask for new filters.

[mbn]

The cover is only 2 years old and is in excellent shape,  he is including 1 extra filter and all the chemicals he has  a brand new container of I believe he called it Bromine.  He said it was 10 years old but didn't give an exact year so I assume 1994.

[Jordy]

When determing the retail value of a used tub, I always use these rules:
First Year Depreciation 20-30%
Each Additonal Year- Additional 10% depreciation

For example, if he paid $5000 for it 10 years ago, today it would be worth:
5000 x .75(25% depreciation)=3750
3750 x .9x.9x.9x.9x.9x.9x.9x.9x.9=$1452.00
Retail value of $1452.00 if he paid $5000 for it 10 years ago. Hope this helps.

[UnderTheStars]

Hi mbn!  Just guessing but from previous posts I've read by some of the dealers, you might want to think about the condition of the underside of the tub.  Seems like I've seen posts about dealers removing 10 yr old tubs and finding significant wood decay (underneath) when the tub is lifted.

Maybe you could include in your deal some sort of contingency:  ". . .agreed price is contingent on no concealed damage when tub is drained & moved."  Good luck!

[HotTubMan]

UTS;

Nice one. Never thought about that angle.

HTMAN