Looking at HS Vanguard. First time buyer need advice.

[Black93fiveO]

Hi, I'm looking to purchase a hot tub in the near future and this will be my first one.  So far I have visited one dealer.  I found a Hot Spring Vanguard I really liked.  He quoted me 14,500 plus tax for the Floor Model.  It includes the cover, lift, steps, starting chemicals, subpanel, and delivery and placement.  This is their 0% financing offer.  They will sell the tub for 12,700 if I only do 18 month financing.  Does this seem like a fair price for a floor model?

I will be going to look at bullfrog spas today.  I am in south eastern Michigan.  If anyone has any advice about the Vanguard or can recommend a comparable tub from another brand and any good dealers near me I would be very appreciative for the information.

Thanks

[castletonia]

Is it a Vanguard NXT or Highlife Vanguard?

[Black93fiveO]

Just the highlife vangard

[castletonia]

Any idea how long it has been a floor model and is it empty or filled?  There is a lot that can determine price (inventory, local market, whether the dealer is a servicing dealer or contracts out, hot tub only or also sells complimentary products, etc). That price is right in line with what I would special order the Vanguard at so, depending on condition of the floor model, etc, it may be a fair price or there could be more wiggle room.

As for other options, you can also consider the following brands: Arctic, Artesian, Bullfrog, Caldera, D1, Jacuzzi, Marquis, and Sundance.  I also sell Caldera and could suggest the Niagara.  Visit the websites of the above manufacturers and see who your local options are.  The dealer can be almost as important as the brand, so research your dealer carefully too.  They are the ones supporting you after the sale.

[Black93fiveO]

Thanks.  He didnt want to go down any lower on the floor model but he is now offering a new tub for 13,400 plus tax. With 24 month financing.   I had a chance to go out and look at Bullfrog spas today and my decision has become much harder now.

[BullFrogSpasMN]

I'd still try and get him down to 12k flat, doesn't hurt to ask....also go look at a Bullfrog R7, more value for a couple thousand dollar less...you won't be stuck with 2 seats with the same jet and you'll also get 4 corner seats which is a much preferred layout over having only 3 corners in the Vanguard, it's quoted as a 6 person spa but really only fits 3-4 at the very most (source: I used to own one lol)...good luck

[Spatech_tuo]

Thanks.  He didnt want to go down any lower on the floor model but he is now offering a new tub for 13,400 plus tax. With 24 month financing.   I had a chance to go out and look at Bullfrog spas today and my decision has become much harder now.

Counter offer, give him a max budget, ask for other items included at no cost... its always negotiable up until he says "no that's as far as I can go"

[Black93fiveO]

I got to see the A7 R7 and X7. All seemed really nice and i was overwhelmed with all the color options and jet pak choices.  Id probably go with the R7 if i go bullfrog but being my first tub the X7 looked pretty good to me and makes me wonder if i need to spend the extra money on the other ones.  I haven't wet tested yet and that will be a big part in my decision making.  The thing that really attracts me to the highlife series is the design.  They really look nice and i really only hear good things about hot spring.  I will keep trying to negotiate on the Vanguard.  Are you saying i should try for 12k with the 24 months financing and extras on the floor model or the new one?

[wmccall]

Welcome to the forum. I haven't priced in over 5 years, so I'll stay out of that.  I do like the Vanguard, my sister owned one, it was our 2nd choice.

[Black93fiveO]

Thanks.  Can I ask what your fist choice ended up being?

[wmccall]

Thanks.  Can I ask what your fist choice ended up being?

This was my 2nd tub back in 2013. We were down to One Jacuzzi model, the Sudance Majesta that we ended up with and the similar size Vanguard.  I would have been happy with any of the three.  The dealer of the Jacuzzi/Sundance models was a little more accomodating and helped me go that way.  But alas, we went with the one my wife was the most comfortable in as she tended to float in some models.

[castletonia]

I got to see the A7 R7 and X7. All seemed really nice and i was overwhelmed with all the color options and jet pak choices.  Id probably go with the R7 if i go bullfrog but being my first tub the X7 looked pretty good to me and makes me wonder if i need to spend the extra money on the other ones.  I haven't wet tested yet and that will be a big part in my decision making.  The thing that really attracts me to the highlife series is the design.  They really look nice and i really only hear good things about hot spring.  I will keep trying to negotiate on the Vanguard.  Are you saying i should try for 12k with the 24 months financing and extras on the floor model or the new one?

I would start with a new one.  The worst they can do is say no.  And if they say no, they may counter with the floor model.

[bradleyabell]

I got to see the A7 R7 and X7. All seemed really nice and i was overwhelmed with all the color options and jet pak choices.  Id probably go with the R7 if i go bullfrog but being my first tub the X7 looked pretty good to me and makes me wonder if i need to spend the extra money on the other ones.  I haven't wet tested yet and that will be a big part in my decision making.  The thing that really attracts me to the highlife series is the design.  They really look nice and i really only hear good things about hot spring.  I will keep trying to negotiate on the Vanguard.  Are you saying i should try for 12k with the 24 months financing and extras on the floor model or the new one?

We bought a Bullfrog X8L about a year ago and we love it!!  Paid 7.2k with tax, cover, cover lifter, stairs, starter chems, etc all included.  I live in SW Michigan.

[Black93fiveO]

Where did you go to get that deal on the X8L

[BullFrogSpasMN]

Where did you go to get that deal on the X8L

I think he got it in 'Miracle Land' as in it would be a miracle for you to find that price on a brand new X8 unless you can locate a dealer that turns his Open Sign on everyday to break even lol....I sell X7's for more than that.