Is $3,000 a good price for a 2000 challenger?

[Firexbomber]

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/boa/4296292453.html

I'm looking at that but I'm a complete noob. Is that a good price?

 

[LouDoo]

It's a good price only if the boat is sound mechanically. At the very minimum you will need to check the engine compression, ideally it should be 150psi, check in on a cold engine, throttle open. Since your new at this maybe you've got a buddy that can go with you or maybe you could hire someone. Also you should take the boat out for a ride before you purchase.

To me looking at the pictures, the boat obviously needs cosmetic work, which sends up a red flag, the boat probably hasn't been taken care or mechanically either. Personally I would keep looking. Even if you have to pay more it's money in the bank in the long run.

Lou

 

[Guest_User]

I`m with Lou, I`d also have to say no, not worth 3K, maybe 1500-1800 max as is, then plan on spending 2-3k getting her cleaned up...
IMHO, I`d pass and not take that out on the water, keep looking as Lou suggested.

the issue is: your a newb, ok with that, but your an easy target for someone to sell you a real POS, even guys who know what to look at can be bamboozled...

so if you see a good looking, well maintained, water test water test water test, and then negotiate from there...

B break
O out
A another
T thousand

 

[Brian J]

"Both engines run"

That is a red flag to me. Sounds like they start and idle but have cavitation issues and/or won't run at full power. I'd ask a lot of questions and test drive that one.

As Lou said, if it's sound that is an OK price.

 

[Guest_User]

"Both engines run"

That is a red flag to me. Sounds like they start and idle but have cavitation issues and/or won't run at full power. I'd ask a lot of questions and test drive that one.

As Lou said, if it's sound that is an OK price.

then that must mean I could get 10K for mine right?:biggrinjester:

 

[Brian J]

I should have put my usual "in my area" clause in there. Not sure about texas and NC prices.

But yeah your boat is worth a lot more than this one. If I was to sell your boat up here in the summer I'd be asking 7-8.

 

[Guest_User]

I should have put my usual "in my area" clause in there. Not sure about texas and NC prices.

But yeah your boat is worth a lot more than this one. If I was to sell your boat up here in the summer I'd be asking 7-8.

:willy_nilly::facepalm::lols: that doesn`t even pay for the upgrades! :biggrinjester:

 

[Jims5543]

Lots of good advice ITT.

Here is my experience.

I paid 4200 for my 1999 challenger. The water test is what you need, the boat should function well..


Make sure to stop, turn it off, wait 10 minutes then restart. Run at all throttle positions, WOT and idle around etc...

My boat passed all these test well, and the engine bay was extra clean and looked well taken care of.

Sadly the boat sat outside uncovered (under a pine tree based on the amount of needles I have been pulling out of every nik and cranny) and weathered bad. Furthermore a bad attempt at cleaning the captains seats resulted in the seats looking like, well ASS.

So cosmetically on the outside my boat looked neglected, mechanically is was very sound.

I dropped it off 2 weeks ago at a Sea Doo boat Guru's house (his day job is working on these for a shop) and he is going through every inch of the boat, even is I have to spend another 2K I will be happy. The important thing to me is that is is in tip top shape, once he is done I will then try my best to keep up with the maintenance.

After I purchased this boat I immediately purchased a Sea Tow account then took it out 4 times at the end of this boating season, never a problem other than it developed a hart start idle problem. Hence the mechanic going over it. I instructed to rebuild the carbs, then do ANYTHING he could think of that the boat may need, if it is a common maintenance issue, DO IT!! This way I have a fun trouble free season starting this spring. That alone is worth the scratch in my book.

I am a motor head with cars, I am hoping that translates well into my first experience with boats.

FYI - Sea Doo jet boats are the only boats I would consider owning. Outboard and inboard motor boats are of no interest to me. I like this engineering.