Author Topic: Areas to check on a test drive? (Read 3212 times)

Ktown · « **on:** June 22, 2006, 01:36:01 am »

Hey guys,

After a good bit of research (mostly from this site), I have decided to purchase a 2002 SX. I have put a downpayment on a 2002 SX with 200 hours and I am planning on taking delivery of it this weekend. I have asked to take it out for a pre-purchase run on the lake and was wondering if anybody wanted to share any advice on things to look for. Thanks again, and I can honestly say without this site, I would not have been comfortable buying a boat from a company that has gone out of business (even Toyota). If everything goes well this weekend, I will add it to the registry and upload some pics. Thanks,

KTOWN

lesman01 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2006, 04:07:57 am »

Learn from my mistakes. Not that I got screwed, just lucky. If you've never owned an inboard before, take someone with you who has owned one if you can. Check for excessive vibration when coming to speed. Could be prop or something far worse in the drive train. CHeck prop for nics or bends. Make sure all instruments work. Pull up the floor access panels and see how it looks in there. Clean? Wet? Shaft dripping more than 1 drop every 5 seconds? a 2002 should look brand new. Check that the throttle is silky smooth when engaging forward and up through the rpm range. Reverse seems to have a few issues with some boats over reving when you try to back up. Not a major issue, but takes getting used to.

Chances are it's in perfect condition unless not serviced regularly. Get records or ask what self maintenance was done. Folks who buy toyotas tend to baby em, except for the repo tenn bought. But it even seems to be in fairly good shape.

Good luck! Have fun, though. I remember how excited I was on my test drive.

Ktown · « **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2006, 05:11:19 am »

Thanks for the info, I will definitely check for all of those. I meant to add this in my previous post, What is a reasonable price to pay for a 2002 SX with 209 hours. I agreed to pay 27K and thought that was a pretty good deal compared to other 2002 BU's and MC's, but figured you guys would have a better idea of what this boat is worth. It has the accuski system, tower w/speakers, board racks, cd changer, hot water shower, tandem trailer, etc... I couldn't get a price from the NADA because the last year they list is the 2001. Thanks again!

KTOWN

tenn162000 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 22, 2006, 05:35:34 am »

lesman- Ouch- got called out!!!

Man I took my folks out on the epic yesterday and DAMN where they impressed... Such a smooth awesome ride... I've got about 21500 in the boat. Its only got 229.3 hours so I think i got a good deal... Everything is working finally and the sound system will blow you away... I'd have a perfect 10 if the seats were in better shape... haha

I'll add to the why i bought a boat story line -

masonlk · « **Reply #4 on:** June 22, 2006, 06:04:05 am »

Just ask the seller to be open and honest with you about any past problems. They're probably aware of this site, let them know you are too. It's easier to accept a problem and fix it before you go out on your own. Most all of them are pretty simple and inexpensive to fix. The alternative is to end up heading back to the dock at 5 mph after 15 min. and then driving home to fix it anyway.

Like lesman said, most everyone with these boats has taken good care of them. New they ran 40 grand. Unless your stupid or negligent you're not going to trash it.

I've only had my d-drive a month and I'm lovin' every second of it. The boat and engine combo is unbeatable quality. Good lookin' with a nice bow, a well shaped transom, responsive to my every touch, silky smooth acceleration and warms up in just a few minutes, what more could you ask for?

Good luck and enjoy!

epic_toy · « **Reply #5 on:** June 22, 2006, 06:26:06 am »

All good advice. Only thing I would add: check fluid levels and colors (oil and transmission), verify ballast fills and empties as expected, feel carpet all around for wet, etc., find out why they are selling, check belt wear, probe with questions about service like impellar, oil change, filters, plugs changed, that sort or thing.

Most important, make a check list of things you want to make sure you don't miss. Trust me on this, it is really easy to get excited and completely forget what you should be doing. Have fun later!

Seems like a pretty great deal to me. 200 hours is right where my E21 is at and it's all good.

lesman01 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 22, 2006, 14:38:30 pm »

tenn, i only meant you got an AWESOME deal on a boat and had the kahoonas to take a chance on a repo and so far has paid off.

I called you out in a "good way"

cyclone · « **Reply #7 on:** June 23, 2006, 11:30:30 am »

that boat is a ripoff and you shouldn't buy it. NOT. I don't care what kind of shape it's in, it is basically a Camry water tractor. My carpet still looks new after 6 yrs stored outside and after 715 hrs. No sheot. I take care of it, I've cleaned the crap out of it two or three times a season, but I take it camping and get it full of red Georgia mud, too. Ramblin, hell yeah on the red mud!

It cleans up!

Seriously, you should not buy that boat, and you should send me their phone number. I'm so serial.

Actually, Lesmans advice was the best. I would add that you should watch the water temp 170 deg or so and check the condition of the oil (not milky) after a water test.

As with any inboard or boat for that matter, look for fiberglass damage or rudder damage, log strikes, etc.

Good luck, take pics and we'll help you get a good deal. Or not;)

Pete

westtx · « **Reply #8 on:** June 23, 2006, 23:53:29 pm »

If you want, I'll test drive it for you and give you a full report. Where can I find this one?

Ktown · « **Reply #9 on:** June 29, 2006, 06:35:12 am »

?

OK everyone, thanks for the great advice.? Everything went well and the test drive was pretty good.? No leaks, weird noises, and the boat shifts great.? The boat has only a few minor issues, but is in very good condition and has all the extras including the rear table, hot water shower, cover, and GPS (no bow filler though!).? Unfortunately the dealer that I bought the boat from was not very knowledgable about the EPIC line of boats and did not know how to work all the electronics (accuski, ballast, etc...)? Also, it appears that something was either stuck in the speedo or I have a grounding issue already (I've read a few posts on these).? As for the ballast, the pump seems to be running, but neither side of the system was filling.? After reading the ballast instructions, I think we didn't turn the lever under the floor to the appropriate position before using it (planning on moving the lever and trying again on it's maiden voyage in Lake Amistad.? Never got Accuski to activate, but didn't realize I needed to activate it prior to being in gear.? I printed the Accuski for dummies and plan to work on that tomorrow as well.? Only other problem was a small chip on the keel that I plan on fixing this weekend.? Other than the long trip to Alabama to get it, I am very happy with the boat.? Again, thanks for all of you who took the time to point me in the right places.? I have posted some pics in the gallery if anyone is interested.?

Ktown

breakawaydaze · « **Reply #10 on:** June 29, 2006, 13:14:03 pm »

Great looking boat, congratulations and Welcome!

PSullivan3 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 29, 2006, 21:44:41 pm »

nice boat

westtx · « **Reply #12 on:** June 30, 2006, 01:23:15 am »

Welcome aboard, K-Town. Hey, Lake Amistad is only 4 hours from Midland, a short drive to water around here. I know of another Epic in San Angelo. We need to plan our own West Texas Epic Round-up. Anyone interested?