How good of a deal does this seem to you?

[JTPickering]

So I was browsing my local Craigslist and came across someone selling a 1997 Challenger, single 787 for $1500. He says it has some kind of spark/ignition issue. With a good battery, it cranks but does not start. Includes trailer, cover, PFDs, fancy fishfinder, new towable tube and rope, paddles, etc. It's also fully hydro-turfed and has new upholstery.

I already have a Challenger, and I'm thinking I can pick this up (after checking a few things like compression, etc), fix it, sit on it for the winter and sell it in the spring when demand is higher. Around here, I think I'll be able to sell it for around $4000 in the spring.

However, I definitely don't want to invest thousands of dollars or hundreds of hours. The only thing stopping me from going to look at it right now is the 3.5 hour drive each way...

Thanks for looking!

 

[dbracela]

Depends on what's causing the spark issue. You're already an owner, so you know the deal with MPEMs. But you're right about the price if that boat was running well. What area is it in? I'm west of Toronto, so if its this way, I could look at it for ya (I have no interest in it so won't steal it on ya :cheers.

 

[JTPickering]

Thanks for the offer, but it's the opposite way (Brockville).

Is there a way to rule out the MPEM as the source of the issue, somewhat quickly and easily so I can do it in the guy's driveway? I know about the diagnostic mode thing (push button 5 times and listen to the beeps) - would this tell me whether the MPEM is good or bad?

 

[dbracela]

I'm not sure of the answer on that one. Hopefully one of the gurus will pop on and post an answer. I'd actually like to know too.

 

[LouDoo]

If the boat turns over it's probably not the MPEM, if you got to look/get it check the compression. This is just a WAG but I'm guessing the pickup coil came loose.

Lou