Purchase 2015 Spark or used SeaDoo

Grant Davis said:

I am interested in a new jetski. The Sparks look very cool and I am looking at purchasing a new 2015 2up (I don't know about 60hp or HO yet). But, I don't know if it would be better to purchase a used SeaDoo (2007-2010ish) off of Craigslist for a little less $$$. Used would also allow me to skip break-in and hassle of new one. What are your thoughts? Thx!!!

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It won't save you much money for long. The spark is so fuel efficient you'll spend more in the long run on the other, so if price is your concern, get the spark.

As for other factors, you need to figure out what you are looking for. Dirt bike for wave jumping and throwing it around, or cruiser for destination trips.

I would say this Grant...The Sparks great advantage is the weight (or lack thereof). I cannot tell you how many times I have seen people with 800+ lb skis struggle just to get them in the water. The Sparks are fun, easy to tow and an absolute delight to put in and out of the water. You can throw them around like the ski's of the early days. That said, they do come with compromises. They are only one year in, and none of us know how these things will hold up over the next several years! Will the plastic hold up in the heat/cold? Is the steering recall a one-off or are more problems to come?

I think we will all learn a great deal in the next year or so but I can tell you from personal experience that I have been absolutely delighted with the two I have! And the fact that they sip gas doesn't hurt either!

I was in the same situation this past year. I have an older model SPI and loved it but wanted something more reliable. I was looking for a used 2005 RXP for around $5000 but then I saw the 2014 Seadoo Spark. I wanted something like my older model and this was the exact thing the spark offered. So I went with a 3up walked out the door for $7000 and used my older trailer. I bought mine in april and only have 22 hours but no regrets at all. I might get a 2015 one to add to the collection. But to answer your question if you want to run 70mph go with a used model but if your ok with going 50mph and throwing around a light ski go with the spark.

NetAtNite said:

I would say this Grant...The Sparks great advantage is the weight (or lack thereof). I cannot tell you how many times I have seen people with 800+ lb skis struggle just to get them in the water. The Sparks are fun, easy to tow and an absolute delight to put in and out of the water. You can throw them around like the ski's of the early days. That said, they do come with compromises. They are only one year in, and none of us know how these things will hold up over the next several years! Will the plastic hold up in the heat/cold? Is the steering recall a one-off or are more problems to come?

I think we will all learn a great deal in the next year or so but I can tell you from personal experience that I have been absolutely delighted with the two I have! And the fact that they sip gas doesn't hurt either!

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I agree completely and have had 15 Jet Skis! The Spark is Much More Fun than the RXT-X I had even though it only goes 51 MPH? I put on average $24 of gas and last 3 hours of riding and still have a hour left? I can run circles around the Musclecraft up to 40 MPH and that's fine with me !!!
Easy to haul, Launch and retrieve. Best ski Sea Doo has made IF you do Not have to text while riding?

In 20 years + of Seadooing the Spark is my favourite ...

Slasher said:

In 20 years + of Seadooing the Spark is my favourite ...

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If Slasher says it's his favorite...I'm buying 2 lol

On a serious note...don't sweat any break-in. Best part of buying new is you know what you have. How many horror stories have we heard of someone trying to save a grand by picking up an older ski. Motor hydrolocks or the washers broke and motor was never cleaned properly, then next thing you know your dumping $4000 into that "deal".

its 2015 there is no break-in hassle
maybe wait and see if the 2015 model is different then either buy a used 2014 or a new one

Buy new and you won't regret it. I was looking at buying an older model until I saw the Sparks were coming out and went with the Spark instead. Best decision I've ever made. You never really know what you are getting with a used model. Been there and found out later the engine had been rebuilt and needed rebuilt again after I had it.

Looked at a pair of 2002 Sea Doo GTI LEs with trailer (supposedly rebuilt)

Looked at a pair of 2010 Super Charged RXT Sea Doos both with 300 hundred hours

Bought pair of 2014 Sparks. No carbs needles to get clogged or tune. Great gas mileage. Very light easy to push around at the dock and on trailer in driveway with wheel jack.

Been complemented on Sea Doo Spark's look so different from the "Waverunner" style.

Great for wave jumping as well as several 15 mile destination cruises I've done.

With these recreational toys there is not much money saved in used.

Grant Davis said:

I am interested in a new jetski. The Sparks look very cool and I am looking at purchasing a new 2015 2up (I don't know about 60hp or HO yet). But, I don't know if it would be better to purchase a used SeaDoo (2007-2010ish) off of Craigslist for a little less $$$. Used would also allow me to skip break-in and hassle of new one. What are your thoughts? Thx!!!

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Just like everyone on here has said time and time again, the Spark is a really fun machine to drive and great on fuel, tows really easy, and if you are using it on the beach a lot easier to get in and out of the water, if you want something to pull toys around with or do some long distance touring there are better choices but it is quite capable of multi use as well, the nice thing is it is the same price as a lot of the used units you would be comparing it to and you are taking a gamble buying used, seen lots of people get a good deal over the years but I also have seen lots of people get burned on a unit that was supposed to be Mint condition! Break in isn't a big deal, just take it easy for the first tank of fuel. If you are going to buy a 60hp you may as well figure on doing the ecm upgrade at sometime because you will likely get bored of it after a while.