Question for buying used sea doos

[fishergal]

Hey all,
I'm super new to PWC's as I've never owned one. I have no engine knowledge and wondered what advice would you give for buying a used ski. Would you say if I can only go on the word of the seller that I should stay clear. I've found two 95's a GTX and SP for $2200 for both with trailer which is kelly blue book price. What I've been told is he doesn't know hours, no gauge, last year compression on one was 140 the other 130-135. I have no way of checking compression. He just put new batteries in. He said he had them on the lake last year. He doesn't have a hose attachment to run them. Any advice? If I want to buy used do I need to find someone who knows something about engines to look with me (don't know many people in my area). Or do I just not buy used which mean I won't buy at all? Thanks.

 

[mikidymac]

Take a look at this thread I posted previously http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?72990-Things-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-SeaDoo
It should answer a lot of your questions.

 

[howie099]

This year do a compression check and see how they are. The one with the lower compression 130-135 will be the first one you will need a new engine. Can do a top end but they are old. 95' and older don't have a DESS MPEM so you can't read the hours that is true. Next take them on the water that will tell you everything you need to know. No water test lower your offer. No one should be scared to offer a water test when it is not freezing outside or the deal is just so good how could you refuse. These things sound and work totally different on the trailer and in the water.

If you don't like to work on things yourself you might want to move up to the 4-stoke models. There issues follow more like a boat/car. Change the the oil yearly and stuff like that. Plus the dealers will all work on them. Most don't like to work on the old stuff only the independent shops will usually work on them.

 

[fishergal]

Thanks mikidymac and howie099, I don't have the means or know how to do the compression test. I can ask to bring to the water and see if he would do that. I guess, what I'm worried about is that even if I went through the checklist you provided, I wouldn't be confident enough to know what I am looking at. So I guess it may be better to by new or newer if that is the case or make friends with someone knowledgeable to go with and can check some of these things for me. I appreciate the feedback.

 

[Coastiejoe]

A compression test and a check ride for 30 minutes is pretty much a must do. If you can NOT do that, you MUST assume you are buying a ski with a junk engine. I say this as, if you can not PROVE it is good, you will spend a grand to get it up and running. Could be less, but you can not "guess" when making this kind of purchase. If you think I am kidding, do some searches here at the site and read all kinds of horror stories...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lilskipp84]

You can run them for a good 30 seconds dry, no hose needed...need a few mins cool down time and can do it again...wouldn't recommended running longer then 30 seconds but that alone will atleast tell u they fire right up

 

[CReynoldsMIZ]

If you really dont have any mechanical knowledge, im not trying to be harsh, but buying a 20 year old seadoo is a way for you to get pissed off real fast and want out of the sport all together. You will have maintainence issues constantly i am sure, and there are not too many shops any more that will even work on them at this point.

I think your best bet would to buy a ski that was just a couple years old, that had low hours and something a dealership can work on. Probably a 4 stroke as they are less maintainence. As a starter ski, look into the Seadoo Spark, the base model lists for under 5k and they say on the commercials you can get payments as low as $79 per month. For your situation, i think newer is a better option.

 

[LouDoo]

Or, buy an older Seadoo from a dealer with a warranty, even a 90 day warranty should turn up any problems.

Where in Indiana do you live. If you happen to live in southern Indiana, there's a good Seadoo dealer in New Albany.

Lou

 

[bajaman123]

I think you are asking the right questions in one of the right places. As with any used vehicle, be it a boat, PWC, car, motorcycle...you can either get a great one, a good one, or one that you'll regret. Those of us with a lot of mechanical knowledge/experience are much more likely to take on something that maybe needs a little work but we know is well within what we can do, especially if the 'deal' is good...i.e. low cost. As one goes to the left of highly experienced mechanically, one should understandably try to purchase a unit that is in good shape, TYPICALLY (but not always) newer, less hours, etc.
When faced with the situation you describe with these 'skis...the fact he's asking at or near Blue Book could mean they are decent and won't cost you a lot of money to fix. Or it could simply mean he is trying to get the maximum he can. What is the rest of the condition of the machines? If the seats are in good to great shape, the hull shows good maintenance and is shiny and glossy, I'd be inclined to think mechanically they are good. GENERALLY SPEAKING, the outside reflects the inside. People who keep their machines in good mechanical order tend to take pride in them and they look good and are well maintained overall.

 

[jammin777]

i think there are a couple members within 4 to 8 hours from you. minnitonka is one of them that sells some older choice skis for a great price that has been gone thru or checked out and are highly trusted members. if i were in that neck of the woods i wouldnt hesitate to make the drive for a ski that i know that has been in great hands. otherwise it is a real crap shoot great advice from above post.

 

[ocod]

]i think there are a couple members within 4 to 8 hours from you. minnitonka is one of them that sells some older choice skis for a great price that has been gone thru or checked out and are highly trusted members. if i were in that neck of the woods i wouldnt hesitate to make the drive for a ski that i know that has been in great hands. otherwise it is a real crap shoot great advice from above post.[/B]

X 1,000,000

I would go with that [MENTION=41828]Minnetonka4me[/MENTION].
There was someone who just did that. Drove a few hundred miles and a few hours later had a XP completely redone.

 

[the_hog]

X 1,000,000

I would go with that [MENTION=41828]Minnetonka4me[/MENTION].
There was someone who just did that. Drove a few hundred miles and a few hours later had a XP completely redone.

That was me, 850 miles/13 hour round trip and would do it again. Cant say enough good about Nick (Minnetonka4me). 100% happy with my purchase, to me it was worth the miles and time knowing I got a completely gone through ski that I know needs nothing. I recommend him to anyone.

 

[n.clark.2010.nc]

This year do a compression check and see how they are. The one with the lower compression 130-135 will be the first one you will need a new engine. Can do a top end but they are old. 95' and older don't have a DESS MPEM so you can't read the hours that is true. Next take them on the water that will tell you everything you need to know. No water test lower your offer. No one should be scared to offer a water test when it is not freezing outside or the deal is just so good how could you refuse. These things sound and work totally different on the trailer and in the water.

If you don't like to work on things yourself you might want to move up to the 4-stoke models. There issues follow more like a boat/car. Change the the oil yearly and stuff like that. Plus the dealers will all work on them. Most don't like to work on the old stuff only the independent shops will usually work on them.

I have a seadoo jetski 2000 we just put the fuel pump in and everything works perfectly fine the only thing is it only goes 30 miles per hours mph do I need to change injectors out it's a DI jet ski GTX

 

[fishergal]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll pass these two up and look into a little newer. I know I won't use them very often so not sure want to go new, but also don't want one that is worked on more than rode. I really appreciate all the advice. Forums like this are really helpful. I will continue my quest.

 

[LouDoo]

I have a seadoo jetski 2000 we just put the fuel pump in and everything works perfectly fine the only thing is it only goes 30 miles per hours mph do I need to change injectors out it's a DI jet ski GTX

n.clark
Please post a new thread in the 2-stroke PWC section, I know you are new, but it's bad form to hi-jack an existing thread.

Thanks,

Lou

 

[dannyual767]

If you really dont have any mechanical knowledge, im not trying to be harsh, but buying a 20 year old seadoo is a way for you to get pissed off real fast and want out of the sport all together. You will have maintainence issues constantly i am sure, and there are not too many shops any more that will even work on them at this point.

I think your best bet would to buy a ski that was just a couple years old, that had low hours and something a dealership can work on. Probably a 4 stroke as they are less maintainence. As a starter ski, look into the Seadoo Spark, the base model lists for under 5k and they say on the commercials you can get payments as low as $79 per month. For your situation, i think newer is a better option.

I fully agree with CReynolds! He is right on all counts.

fishergal, I'm happy to hear that you decided to pass on the two 20 yr old skis. A newer 4-stroke makes a lot more sense for you.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

highly appreciate the kind words. I do get down near the IL/WI border once in a while. Right now I have a 95 XP 800, 96 XP, and a 99 SPX ready to rip.