Jewtoys

I like the sparks too and would like to test one out. I've had bad experiences buying used as well. Also I would love a stand up but they seem so rare and expensive that it's more of a pipe dream. I'd have a hard time spending 5k on a 10 year old likely headache. My .02

The cheap ass in me wants to buy something used for a decent deal, hope nothing breaks and resell towards the end of the season and get my money back. But that doesn't always work out. The only downside to the Spark is the 90HP version top speed is only like 48 mph...... That's crawling. A company sells a tune, little under a grand and gives you 109HP but I haven't seen and top speed numbers..

Cruising around for half the day on the Spark seems like it might wear that little motor out quickly.

I bought three '05 RXPs two years ago from the original owner, with various Riva packages, all with around 40 hours on them. If you don't mind rebuilding superchargers, replacing valves, broken timing chains, and troubleshooting leaky intercoolers instead of having fun on the lake, by all means buy the RXP. Also be sure to do some research on changing the oil before doing it the way you have on every other vehicle, it will save you some hassle.

Sounds like I should run. I'm going to go check out the Spark this weekend and take it for a ride, just hoping it's not a complete pile.. Not holding my breath though for the price.

Standups aside, What would you suggest in the 5-7k range on something?

Cheers

Do not get that RXP. Just don't do it. If you must get a Seadoo couch, get the base model 2 seat Spark and reflash the ECU for an instant 20-30 hp bump up to the higher performance model's level.

 

My advice would be to buy a Superjet or an SXR 800 and really have some fun. Couches are lame unless it's a B1. Going fast in a straight line on the water gets really boring, really quick.

Why so much hate for the RXP?

I've had a few XP and Waveraiders over the years are really like both of those old buckets. Not a fan of stand ups, as I travel to certain areas by water in the summer.

04 is the worst year RXP to be looking at. Not only the charger, but the valves are a big issue. 65 hours on 10 year old ski would worry me more than anything because the valve failure is caused when they sit for a long time and rust at the valve stem. That said, if it was my money and I was keeping the ski for a few years I'd get the spark. If you are gonna flip it in the fall get the RXP. The spark will take a big hit in resale.

All of the dealers in the area I've spoken with just mentioned the washer issue with the supercharger, but said they are pretty stout. $4,200 with a trailer with lower hours and one owner is appealing.

Pretty much everything Keith said. I looked at a Spark in person, and for a brand new entry level ski they are pretty impressive. I haven't ridden one, it wont be "fast", but they are made from a light weight polytec so I'm assuming you can toss them around a bit. You can get either a 2 seater, or 3 seater and they sip fuel.

 

I haven't seen one in person but a friend said it looks like it would fall apart and is very small. He might just be used to the bigger new stuff, I can't see it being smaller than a old XP

 

Good luck

Tom

It's starting to finally get warm and I'm looking at picking up another pwc, every year I buy these used have fun and sell them when it starts to get cold and get all of my money back. Last year didn't work like that, I bought a used ski, that was nothing but problems. It was bound to happen, just like when buying a used car-something will break.

I looked at some new Sea Doos yesterday and not sure I can justify spending the 9+k on a ski and then paying the tax and trailer costs... Maybe if it was warm year round, I wouldn't hesitate. So I started looking at used stuff and found a 2004 Sea Doo RXP, 215hp, Riva stage 1 kit, one owner, 65 hours, nice trailer for $4,200. This is a pretty good deal, If I end up going this route I will make sure everything is in order, and have the supercharger rebuilt to avoid any issues.

This morning I looked at a few local places that sell skis online and noticed Sea Doo has a new model, the Sea Doo Spark. It's right under 5k new! Granted it will only reach 50mph, it's rather small and is probably really fun to ride. I've never had a ski that can go over 60MPH when it was new anyways and those were always fun.

Not sure which route to take, buy a new slower ski that has a warranty (only a year) or buy a 04 RXP and basically have the same amount of money tied into it after I have it serviced?

Someone that knows more than me, give me some insight please!

Thanks! :gabe:

It shouldn't be chump change for anyone. And if they act like it is, then they're probably chumps themselves.

 

Good luck with things - I hope it turns out well.

Thanks!

Not sure if that was directed at my "sight unseen" comment... but if so, I definitely don't think 60k is chump change.

 

 

It's just a different situation. I am in the business of re-selling cars, employ a full time tech who knows how to work on these cars, and have bins full of stock GTR parts.

 

 

Because of all that, it removes a lot of the risks for me that an individual would have to worry about.

I didn't get that vibe from his post. I also understand you have a business doing this, a lot different than a 26 year old buying this junk to have fun with a possibly make a few bucks once finished.

WAT.

 

If you dont take it, let me know.

 

I will buy it sight unseen if it has a clean carfax. I'm serious.

I responded to your PM.

Most likely I will end up turning it for a few bucks, but still don't want any surprises. Bought into a business recently so coughing up almost 60k isn't chump change for me.

If he's a freind, I'd have him pay for it. If you dont buy it it would be a great selling tool anyways.

I've never heard of a owner paying for the PPI..... That's kicking someone in the knees a little too hard, and you know I'm pretty stingy.

It's a 2010 with roughly 30k miles, 56k. Great deal

Is Carowinds still open?

Yeah, it's nothing to brag about considering Cedar Point....

It's a highly modified car. While a PPI is a great indicator of current issues, it's not a crystal ball.

 

Recently a high HP GTR was sold that had not one, but TWO PPIs done before the transaction was completed. Within 50 miles, the motor blew. Logs were pulled, and the car was not abused at all in the 50 miles. Just the nature of the beast. On the other hand I know of people with 30k+ miles of abuse at well over 1000whp with zero issues. It's a crap shoot.

 

The factory GTR rods are awful. So awful that stock turbos can bend them with ease if the torque is not kept in check lower in the revs.

 

Why someone would toss a stock rod engine in this car is confusing.

 

Do you plan on building the motor or doing anything?

 

If not, Alpha 9 is not for you. You are sacrificing spool for power that you can not use on stock rods.

I understand it can break, I just don't want to purchase it with a list of issues to get back to where I thought the car was when I bought it. I have no issues with anything breaking in my possession once I own it, not the type of person to have the car then complain once something breaks. It's a used car and things will break.

I'm not sure why a stock replacement motor was put back in and some of the guts from the built motor weren't transferred over, the owner wouldn't know as he has a shop doing all of his work, which I will as well. I hate working on cars when I can pay to hopefully have it done right the first time.

I haven't priced a motor build, but it looks like that should be something to factor in....

It would depend on the performance shop but even those (Like us) that have never built one to that level could still strap it on a dyno and do a few pulls to check how the tune looks and then approach it from more of a "Modification / Tune" aspect as opposed to just a general inspection a dealer would typically do on a stock car.

 

Obviously someplace like Swytzer or AMS would be ideal but maybe not convenient.

 

I personally would focus most of the inspection / concern on the engine bay / tunnel (Chassis) from where the engine / transmission was removed and such. If a hose wasn't tightened or clamp was a little loose chances are that was found pretty quickly at 700HP but scratches / dents / imperfections to the chassis can be hidden with the drivetrain re-installed unless you are really really looking.

 

Just my 2-cents...

Jeff

That's something I didn't think of, could have the dealer do a PPI and have a trusted shop do a few dyno pulls. If all is well I will be purchasing it, from a friend. The downside he is the type to just bring it to a shop and really has no idea about any tech specs or anything... So I want the thing looked at carefully. He had a Ferrari 360 and thought changing the oil every 15k miles was acceptable because the Amsoil bottles said so.... I know this car has been taken care of though, because it's broke a few times and has been in and out of the shop, so more time in their hands than his ha ha

I'm planning on taking a AMS Alpha 9 GTR off my friends hands, normally when I buy a car I do the normal look at the usual stuff and drive it and call it a day. I don't know much about these and would prefer dishing out the money on a PPI. The car was making 950+HP on pump gas with a built motor, which has since exploded.. The car currently has a stock replacement motor and is making 700HP with a built trans.

Would a GTR equipped Nissan dealer be my best bet or should I look at shops that deal with upgrading these? Not sure how much faith I have in dealers..

Thanks

Same on my ipad.

X3 on iphone

No thanks. I have seen pics of what it looks like on an e-85 car and its not pretty.

That can be said with any oil, it's e85 that's the issue.

Pm me what mulch you need most of and what you pay now who is your salesman or call me 745-6758

Score!

Nice when things like this workout for people.

I stopped getting speeding tickets when I got cruise control. Its set at 70-72 pretty much all day long.

Evos don't have cruise control!

Ordering one of these now, had no idea they were legal.