Question re. how VLX's age

(hbguy) · (hbguy) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 02-20-2007, 5:37 PM

I am eyeing two VLX's as a potential purchase. One is a 2004 with 150 hours. The other is a 2003 with 300 hours. They are both well maintained and in great shape. The 2004 is five grand more than the 2003. All things being equal (options, shape of boat, etc.), is it worth the extra cash? I think the answer to my question will be strongly determined by how well VLX's hold up as they get older and have more hours put on them.

Anyone have any thoughts?

(02wakesettervlx)

I have 400 hours on a 2002 and you couldn't tell it from showroom new. My 99 was traded in at 420 hours, and the new owner put 300 on the next summer. I believe that boat is over 1000 hours now, and it still looks new.

(duckguy) · (duckguy) **Join Date: Jul 2006** 02-21-2007, 6:08 AM

I would say it just all depends on the TLC you give it

(paublo) · (paublo) **Join Date: Jul 2002** 02-21-2007, 6:17 AM

Look at it this way- the '03 has had 75 hrs/yr put on it and the '04 has had 50 hrs/yr on it. My impression is that is average for most users. If it has been serviced and taken care of, it doesn't really matter. How many hrs/yr will you put on it and how long will you keep it? If you aren't keeping it long, you may want the lower hours and newer boat for resale value.

(ldr) · (ldr) **Join Date: Nov 2002** 02-21-2007, 7:56 AM

Your not going to make up 5k in resale value by going with a year newer boat.

(denverd1)

save a little cash

(antoddio) · (antoddio) **Join Date: Dec 2006** 02-21-2007, 10:12 AM

Go for the cheaper boat. Invest the 5K and say it doubles in 7 years and you sell the boat at the same time. Price difference will be 2K or less, and even if you put in 2K more of repairs (unlikely), you'll still be 6K, and probably more ahead.

Work you own scenario but the 03 is the smart choice.

(hbguy) · (hbguy) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 02-21-2007, 6:00 PM

Thanks for everyone's input. It sounds like I shouldn't expect much more wear and tear or money spent on repairs for the 2003 over the 2004. Paul, to answer your questions, I plan to keep it for at least 4 years as long as it holds up. I would imagine I would put about 75 hours a year on it.

(mikel) · (mikel) **Join Date: Nov 2004** 02-22-2007, 10:37 AM

Why go for a used VLX when a new Vride is not that much more money? Between the tower, tracking fins, and warranties it just seems like new is the way to go with Malibu's ride series.

(batman) · (batman) **Join Date: Nov 2001** 02-23-2007, 7:46 PM

10 hp difference in 03 (325)vs 04 (335). I had both and I would go for saving the $5k!