Need some guidance

[Bulldogsrule]

All – First off thank you in advance, I’ve been reading through the archieves for a couple of weeks. When I first came in I was planning on going the online deal route, because my primary driver is value. That being said quality is a core part of value and it seems the online places could easily leave one with a bad product and on one to service.

That being said I’m looking in the 5k-7k market and have been viewing both new and used models. The dealers locally have Viking, pdc, marquis, coleman and a few others. Right now my options are as follows. I’d really appreciate any thoughts on price point / value.

Marquis Everyday 650 – quoted at 7k (seems a little high and only has 2 year warrenty)
Sundance Optima 880 (used) 5 years old 6k (top of the line with all options except TV)
Jacuzzi J480 (used) 5 years old 4.5k (I have not seen this one, but reviews are positive)
Limelight Flare Hotsprings (used) 2 years old – 4k (Also seems a little high when new is only couple grand more)

I really want to make sure I get a good tub that won’t need 1k in maintenance every year. Would rather pay a little more up front. But really want to stay under 7k..

Thanks

 

[Jacuzzi_Jim]

Out of all those you listed the J-480 at 4500.00 would be a great deal.  Is it from a private owner or dealer?  I also agree with the you on the limelight price wise.    The Optima would be better at 4500.00 like the J-480 as well.

 

[hottubdan]

For that kind of money, I would not buy used.  Buy new and get warranty.  Part of the value equation.  Peace of mind.

 

[Bulldogsrule]

So is there a price for any of those that would make it really worth the deal? The prices I posted for used ones are the asking price. I'm sure I can negotiate.

Also is there a specfic model that may make sense new? I did find a Hot Springs dealer 45 minutes away and I'm making an appointment to visit. There's also a Jacuzzi dealer but from what I've read I think they will be nout of my proce range.

 

[Bulldogsrule]

Couple more questions

1) A local dealer that I visited today (and was nice, very comfortable with) mentioned (and I dug a little more) that he would not recommend Marquis Spa's because they use to be a dealer and stopped selling them due to all the maintenance issues that were happening. He said when they moved their manufacturing from the east coast or Oregon and dropped the pacific from their name it went downhill. Normally I would think it was just posturing, but he went on to recommend hot springs, Caldera, Maax and a couple other dealers that were close buy with competitors products. He sold Sundance and seemed very knowledgeable. Marquis was high on my list, has something changed?

2) An Artesian Dealer offered a floor model Antigua fully loaded except no stereo delivered with cover lifter and steps for 8100. Is that a good price?

Thanks

 

[Spatech_tuo]

Sundance Optima 880 (used) 5 years old 6k (top of the line with all options except TV)
Jacuzzi J480 (used) 5 years old 4.5k (I have not seen this one, but reviews are positive)
Limelight Flare Hotsprings (used) 2 years old – 4k (Also seems a little high when new is only couple grand more)

As far as used tubs go, CONDITION IS KING but as a general rule this is what I like to by: after 1 year subtract 40% of the original price, 10% for the second year and about 5% for every year therafter but the reality is that age takes a back seat to condition as the spa ages. This of course is assuming these deals are from owners. You'd pay more from a dealer but you'll also typically get a 90 day warranty and a better level of confidence that they've checked it out.

Having said that, I'd look for the 5 year old spas to sell for about 35% of their original price and the 2 year old spa about 50%. Not knowing exact prices, I'd say the Optima is very high and the other two are a little high but don't forget that these should be considered highly negotiable.

 

[Jacuzzi_Jim]

Never did answer if these are from a dealer or private seller??  To the op, If you like the Marquis you would be fine with it, I don't know of any changes they have gone through from a quality standpoint. 

A loaded Antiqua at 8100.00 seems high to me. 

 

[Bulldogsrule]

So these are all private sellers, there's only 1 dealer around here that seems to sell used. Now I will admit there seems to be a rather large private used market (I'm outside of DC), but there seems to be a ton of brands that wouldn't be ranked as quality. I have no desire to throw away 2k...

I am visiting a Jacuzzi dealer later this week / weekend. I had a chat with the dealer who said the J-345 is priced at 8k, delivered no options... Now I'm sure this is just starting since I have not set foot in the place and she has no clue if I'm serious or not.

The other option was an '09 HS Sovereign (new) for 8,500 delivered...

Wonder if the prices are higher because I'm on the east coast? I did stop by a dealer with a D1 sign out front, but all they had were PDC. The PDC's were cheap, but haven't seen much on that brand.

 

[Spatech_tuo]

So these are all private sellers, there's only 1 dealer around here that seems to sell used. Now I will admit there seems to be a rather large private used market (I'm outside of DC), but there seems to be a ton of brands that wouldn't be ranked as quality. I have no desire to throw away 2k...

I am visiting a Jacuzzi dealer later this week / weekend. I had a chat with the dealer who said the J-345 is priced at 8k, delivered no options... Now I'm sure this is just starting since I have not set foot in the place and she has no clue if I'm serious or not.

The other option was an '09 HS Sovereign (new) for 8,500 delivered...

Wonder if the prices are higher because I'm on the east coast? I did stop by a dealer with a D1 sign out front, but all they had were PDC. The PDC's were cheap, but haven't seen much on that brand.

Prices do vary by region. Cost of doing business is certainly a factor and leasing store front space in the DC area can't be cheap. Jacuzzi and Hot Spring are two of the best options available. Its hard to say how much room they've left for negotiating, all dealers do it different. Some price them where they need to sell them at a fair price and leave a small amount of wiggle room (there is always some) while others play the game of setting it high and testing your negotiating skills. Be direct yet polite and let them know you have other options and work in the total package rather than talk about add ons after (lifter, steps, extra chems...). I'd expect you can improve the initial prices some.

 

[ajpslp]

I just recieved my JAcuzzi J375 spa (got it 2 weeks ago) and all i can say is ahhhhhh. Awesome jets and relaxing .. The dealers one in jersey and one in long island, ny had very different prices. Started at around $12,500 for tub delivery setup , no radio just tub..  one place went to $11,500 and the other dealer went to $10,000 flat with delivery etc.  They threw in the ozonator, chemical start up - stairs , lifter and covermate III cover ... so there is some wiggle room with a $10-12k purchase..

 

[Bulldogsrule]

Thats awesome to hear... I am impatiently trying to do 'due diligance' in the selection process. Start the Wet tests Saturday \ Sunday. Hot Springs, Sundance, Artisian, Jacuzzi and Marquis are on the list. The Caldera \ Maax dealer I was not a fan of so crossing them off the list (plus they only had 1 tub to wet test). No D1 nearby. The only other dealer is Viking and I haven't seen anything on them...

 

[ejf]

some of those prices for the used seem high,,, but as you are looking at the new spas, you have a good list of them to look at,, On the MArquis the comment that they used to be the dealer and had lots of maintenance issues is hard to believe,,, they are a good company i sold them for another dealer for many years,,,i do not agree with that,,,,whats funny is they use alot of the same compenants on the spas listed if they were having problems others would be also.But the Viking will not be in the same category as the rest of this list, But as your looking part of the basis of your purchase, comfort, dealer, service after the sale,,, are very important....

 

[Bulldogsrule]

Hey all, just saw this on tv... http://www.MegaSpaSale.com/index.php. Is it safe to assume this is all bad quality? No mention of any brands...

 

[Tman122]

Hey all, just saw this on tv... http://www.MegaSpaSale.com/index.php. Is it safe to assume this is all bad quality? No mention of any brands...

Master Spa's....garbage!

 

[Happy_Madison]

This is not Master. Just a slim shady copy cat. Hawkeye Spas and Barefoot spas out of VA. Same traveling scam though. They came to our area last year, and I thought it was Master until I went. Their commercials are a little cheesier than Master. They use all the same slimey tactics as Master does though. To the OP, I would stay as far away as you can from that!

 

[Spatech_tuo]

This is not Master. Just a slim shady copy cat.

Say it aint so!! That is a serious case of copy catting which would be fine if they weren't copying the sleaziest company in the hot tub industry.

I loved late in the commercial where they say "this sale will not be repeated!". LOL sure, that is until they come back next year.

 

[ejf]

Thats funny, nice site, they tried to make it like Master... coupons to save 500. and 1000 on ; spas, yet there banner says 70 percent off spas.... ITS ONLY THIS WEEKEND,,, they scoured for the best, the most comprhensive line, most power,,,what a bunch of garbage...They are so proud of their spas,,,,ARE THEY LISTED ON HERE...I DON"T THINK SO. oh and when you hit the button contact me, it pops up with you need to submit info to get info.....and i like the you tube video of the swim spa,,,,title watch a swim spa manufacturer,,,,,then in the screen its Barefoot Spa.....great humor ;D ;D ;D

 

[Bulldogsrule]

so seems like a unanimous run the hell away. Check.

 

[Spatech_tuo]

so seems like a unanimous run the hell away. Check.

check-mate

 

[Bulldogsrule]

So yesterday was the first day of wet testing. I took an over ambitious schedule of 3 dealers. #1 was D1 / Maax. #2 was Sundance / Artesian. #3 was Hot springs. I gave all a call yesterday as a heads up to make sure they knew we were coming.

So the first dealer was a bust. Even though I called ahead, and this one was the furthest away, all the tubs were at a balmy 58 degrees. The other issue is the tubs that were dry on the floor had spider webs in the bottom with various bug carcasses. Maybe it’s a good thing they weren’t ready because heaven only knows how the water is kept in this place. So won’t be going back there. Only thing I’m bummed about is I like the look of the Maax’s and he’s the only dealer with one available. The other dealer doesn’t have one on the floor, but assured me if I wanted to buy one I’d love it…grrrrr….. 

Second Dealer was the Artesian / Sundance place. I really loved the look of the Antigua and was psyched to get in. Turns out after sitting in all the seats I was more psyched to get out! Great looking tub, but not for me, which is funny because if I was buying on price / options / looks I would have picked this tub.

Only Sundance available to test was the Cameo, and we spent a good 45 minutes soaking. Not sure why, but we both loved this tub!!! The design, the jets, the controls… almost everything was perfect. There were a couple of small things, but comparatively this was just an awesome tub. Only issue is the dealer wanted 10.5k for the tub, and my budget is about 8k. I’m sure there’s some room to negotiate, but I’m assuming not that much…

Third Dealer was Hot Spring. The sales guy I have been corresponding with to-date was not there and that was unfortunate. The guy we had to deal with should have been selling used cars and was pushing / up selling the whole time. He wouldn’t let us take our freaking time in the tubs. We got there at 4 (place closed at 5) he wanted us to spend 5 minutes in Hot Spot / Limelight and the rest of the time in the Vangaurd.

So in the limited time I was in the hot spot I liked it, for the price point, and what you get seems like a smart buy. Wish the warranty was better, but it’s entry level, I get that.

The Flair would actually be my #1 choice from the HotSprings tubs we tried. The lounge fit best of all the tubs we tried. We both liked most of the seats.

Finally the Vanguard was the 3rd tub we tried. Got a chance to try out the famous moto massage. I have to say the concept seems great, I was surprised no other tubs have similar concepts. However they had too much water in the tub (by the salesmans own admission), and supposedly someone had messed with the controls and we were not able to adjust the pressure appropriately. While I was ok in most seats my GF was getting pushed out and actually complained the dual massage hurt. They did have an envoy full, however someone forgot to turn the heat on so we were unable to try.

So good first outing with the excepting I’m disappointed by the Maax Dealer…really wanted to try them. Planning a visit to the Jacuzzi dealer this week, and hopefully Marquis (but their dealership is about 75 miles away  )