looking to buy used tank

[scotthowes]

looking to buy 2 tanks .Local dive shop selling rental Alum-80 with VIS and boot for $120 don't know valve brand.Is it a fair deal?

 

[knotical]

Since you can get new aluminum 80s with valve for around $150 at some shops, e.g.:
( Aluminum 80 Tank reviews and discounts, Catalina ), it does not seem like an especially good deal. Tank boots are only a few bucks.
But check new prices in other local shops to be sure - shipping is a consideration.
Also, how soon is the cylinder due for hydro?

 

[scubafanatic]

...a few weeks ago bought a brand new Catalina AL80 from Scubatoys, including the upgrade to the Thermo 'convertable' valve, for about $ 150 (new vis sticker/air fill included). However, you're in New York, famous for a higher cost-of-living, so if you're buying locally, the normal prices in your area would be expected to be on the high side. How much is a brand new AL 80 tank selling for in your area ? Here in Texas, as I can get a new one for $ 150, $ 120 for a used one would be a bit overpriced, but in New York, if a new one runs $ 200, then maybe $ 120 for a good used one is reasonable.

 

[redacted]

If your neighbor offered to sell you a car that he had used for 4 years or more at a price that was more than he paid for it initially, would you think that would be a fair deal? Shop around. You should be able to do much better.

BTW, you are probably better off without the boot. You could ask him to keep the boot and throw in 2 years of free fills and then it might be a good deal.

 

[Nitrodiverrr]

It might be worth your while to check out craigslistfor the oneonta and syracuse area. There is a listing from someone in ilion with a suit, dive rite bc, TANK, fins, hood, and boots for $ 400. If you like the bc it might be worth your while. The picture of the tank looks like galvanized steel. Maybe the seller would sell the tank seperatly ? A used al80 should be in the $50-75 ballpark (at least over here near Albany)

 

[Crush]

There is a place on SB to posts buy or sell adds: Forums > Marketplace > Gear/Equipment Classifieds . I must admit that I posted a want to buy HP steel tanks but have had only one response so far.

If you are buying tanks, you likely want to dive locally. Your local water will be very cold. Have you considered high pressure (HP) steel tanks instead of AL 80s? Just a thought, but the higher tank pressure and stronger material (steel vs. Al) means that your whole setup - tank, suit, and lead, all together, will weigh less with the steel tank than with the Al tank. It also seems that divers often unload their used AL 80, but lovingly hold onto their HP 120s.

If you find a good deal on steel, let me know.

 

[scotthowes]

Thanks I own 3 tanks now 2 steel and 1 AL 80.All have passed vis. and hydro.but the al. is luxfer pre 86 wich i can only get filled at one place.The shop sells new AL80around $200.

 

[eelnoraa]

If your neighbor offered to sell you a car that he had used for 4 years or more at a price that was more than he paid for it initially, would you think that would be a fair deal? Shop around. You should be able to do much better.

BTW, you are probably better off without the boot. You could ask him to keep the boot and throw in 2 years of free fills and then it might be a good deal.

Although I do agree $120 for used AL80 is NOT a good deal, but I don't agree with your analogy. What if the neighbor find a killer deal, say what he paid initially is compatible or lower than a 4-year-old used item. This may not happen in automotive industry, but definitely possible in scuba equipment. The key is NOT whether the seller bought the item at the same price as he/she is selling, it is rather how the selling price compare to the fair market value.

Like other mentioned, new AL80 is $150 at LDS. Craigslist usually have them below $100. So if you look around, you can definitely do better that your LDS