Should I pay over retail for an engine?

[311Hemi]

Just curious what the thoughts are on this.

I found a 1999 40HP Yamaha 4 stroke that is exactly what I have been looking for. The guy is asking roughly $500 over NADA value ($3000 total) and then I would need to buy a $350 tiller kit on top of that.

I have not looked at outboards much as far as purchasing used....so I don't know what to think.

[CatManLee]

Just my opinion, but I wouldn't go by the NADA Guide when purchasing any used boat motors over a couple years old. The NADA Prices are usually low, meaning the "actual going price" is usually higher than what they have listed.

I'm not sure about the motor your looking at, but the motor I bought for instance was way off the actual price. I payed $2,000 bucks for a completely rebuilt 1990 90hp Evinrude, wich in my opinion is worth it...anyways, NADA value of the same motor was only like $400 dollars! I know it might not be worth $2,000 to everyone, but it's definetly worth way more than $400...

Check out boat dealers around the state and see if they happen to have the same motor or one close to it for sale, see how much they are asking for it, and go from there.

[pfluemis]

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Just my opinion, but I wouldn't go by the NADA Guide when purchasing any used boat motors over a couple years old. The NADA Prices are usually low, meaning the "actual going price" is usually higher than what they have listed.

I'm not sure about the motor your looking at, but the motor I bought for instance was way off the actual price. I payed $2,000 bucks for a completely rebuilt 1990 90hp Evinrude, wich in my opinion is worth it...anyways, NADA value of the same motor was only like $400 dollars! I know it might not be worth $2,000 to everyone, but it's definetly worth way more than $400...

Check out boat dealers around the state and see if they happen to have the same motor or one close to it for sale, see how much they are asking for it, and go from there.

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Actually, $400 is about right for a used 1990 90hp motor IMO, BUT, $2000 for a rebuilt one is a pretty good deal. Keep in mind, NADA does not take into account rebuilding. They are figuring that the average 15 year old outboard is only worth "core" value becouse it's life has, on "average", expired through "normal" use. Obviously low houred, well maintained, motors don't factor in either.

[pfluemis]

Quote:

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Just curious what the thoughts are on this.

I found a 1999 40HP Yamaha 4 stroke that is exactly what I have been looking for. The guy is asking roughly $500 over NADA value ($3000 total) and then I would need to buy a $350 tiller kit on top of that.

I have not looked at outboards much as far as purchasing used....so I don't know what to think.

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$3000 doesn't sound too bad, depending on the condition. Becouse of demand, 4's tend to hold their value better than 2's.

[MuskieJunkie]

I wouldn't get to hung up on NADA values. It's just somebody's opinion on what something is worth. I sold a truck once that had a "blue book value" of over $7k, I had to work really hard to get $4k for it so go fiqure.

If I were you I would do a "what's it worth" post on here and get people's opinion of value, or call twin cities outboard.

[Valv]

I actually might have a tiller handle kit for the motor....