Used gear, what do you think?

[SkipperJohn]

I have a chance to acquire some used gear. This would be my first regulator/octo/computer and my only one for probably some time. The rig for sale is old (8 years old) but, according to the owner well taken care of and only used 5 times.
The rig consists of a Suunto Favor Dive Computer and compass, Mares MR22 titanium first stage, Mares Abyss Titanium second Stage, and a Mares abyss octo. All of this equipment has now been upgraded or is discontinued so it's difficult to figure on a price.

What do you guys think something like this may be worth? Anything I should be concerned with? Is any of this equipment too old to be of value or had any known issues? If I proceed, I know it will need to go to a dive shop and get checked out & possibly repaired. What does a "tune-up" like this typically cost for such a rig?
I am totally in the dark here so any information will be very helpful.
Many thanks for your help.

John

 

[J.R.]

What do you guys think something like this may be worth? Anything I should be concerned with?

Being as honest as possible:

A: It's worth what you're willing to pay for it... old gear is old gear.

B: Guesses can be made... but, bottom line, you'll probably get a better response and your most valid information on which to make an informed decision to 'part B' of your question only after you take the rig into a repair shop and have it physically looked at and... possibly, serviced...

Is the rig physically available to you to take and have a tech check it out?? (They always recommend that approach with used cars... )

 

[J.R.]

Hummm... guess it isn't available for checkout... found the ebay listing...

Also did a bit more looking. Found another ebay sale for the Suunto Favor (w/quick disconnectd)... Buy Now price of $237...

 

[SkipperJohn]

yeah, there's a reserve on it so I dont know what I can get it for. But he is recomending a $500 insurance. Quite frankly I think that's higher than I am willing to go for 8 year old equipment.

 

[tomboyy]

What are you willing to pay for your 1st and 2nd w/ a octo... break it down a bit now what are you willing to pay for a console, which includes, computer spg and compass.

 

[SkipperJohn]

Wel, if I said I would be willing to bid as high as $400, would you guys think that is too much for this 8 y/o somewhat obsolete equipment that is probably in need of service?
I am at a total loss.

 

[themagni]

If it's eight years old and only used five times, then you're probably looking at a complete overhaul. Most of the o-rings will have degraded, and it's quite likely that some moving parts have seized. In my town, it would run about $200. Factor that in to the purchase price. It's probably cheaper in NY than where I live - there's a 20% "paradise tax" on everything that's for sale here.

The gear looks like it's seen more than five dives unless the previous owner is totally careless. I've got a wing with five dives that looks like it's right off the shelf. Maybe he bought them used or maybe they didn't get stored correctly as baggage. I don't know, and neither do you.

That said, I've had nothing but good things to say about my previously used regs. They've got hundreds of dives on them. (the regs pictured look to be in about the same condition as mine.) They breathe great, they work in the winter, and never let me down.

One thing you have to ask and find out about is why they're selling the gear. In my case, the guy I bought from had been buddies with his wife for years. They started having kids, he couldn't find a good buddy, and the gear sat for two years. I bought everything he had except for his BC. (After reading the log in his computer, I discovered that there might have been other, more medical, reasons for not diving anymore...)

Titanium regs are expensive, but they will last for a long time. You'll have to work your ass off to get them to corrode. (Note that the o-rings won't last any longer than o-rings on regular regs.)

If I was looking for replacement regs and those showed up for sale in my town, I'd buy them for $400, but I'd try to talk the guy down first. Offer a lower price first. Use the overhaul as a negotiating tactic - "Look, I've got X in my budget, and I have to get these serviced, which is going to run $150. Would you take Y, in cash?"

And, with any used gear, check to see if it's stolen. The serial number is right there in the pictures.

 

[J.R.]

Apparently the user manual for the Favor is still available from Suunto... check out:

Suunto - Suunto Favor Story - SUUNTO FAVOR - Diving Instruments

Should give you a bit more info to work with...

As to your last question... one thing you might do is bop down to your local dive shop that sells Mares and ask about parts availability, etc. You don't necessarily have to say you're e-Bay shopping... perhaps fudge a bit and tell em' you have an Uncle on left coast that has offered you one...

 

[tomboyy]

Figure 20.00 per stage labor plus parts.. you could be spending 100.00 for your first maintence. I'm thinking you could get a MK17/and 250 with a 195 octo new close to what your gonna pay for the 8 year old stuff but with a computer. I would rent computer and buy the best and newest lifesupport first

 

[Lead_carrier]

Wel, if I said I would be willing to bid as high as $400, would you guys think that is too much for this 8 y/o somewhat obsolete equipment that is probably in need of service?
I am at a total loss.

Just my opinion, I think that would be too much. The Favor was a pretty good computer in its day but it's getting close to midnight on that model. IF I was going to go buy used and on ebay then I'd do a lot of searching and comparing, and making sure I could get it serviced locally.