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Choosing between new CalSpa Avalon and Used Caldera Martinique?

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cranbiz:
I wouldn't buy a J200 series. Those are not anywhere as well insulated. The J300 series are far better tubs.

Best is subjective. In my opinion, Sundance, Jacuzzi J300 and J400 series, Hot Springs, high end Cal Spa, Marquis and Artesian are the ones you want to look at. Bullfrog is decent but I'm not all that crazy about the ABS shell.

Faith1112:
Got it. Seems like the J-300 or over start around 15k. We are in Southwest Virginia, not super cold winters, but we have some colder weeks.
We don't have an Artesian dealer close by. I will check on pricing for the Marquis.
I understand the subjective part, just trying to make the best decision I can. We have four local dealers, two have been very responsive, Jacuzzi and Cal Spa/Viking. The Hot Spring/Caldera one has been tough to get a response. I will reach out to Marquis.

Any thoughts on jets and such? Like the Avalon has 60+ is that a significant difference? AVALON EC-867L
Thank you for the responses, we are trying to be good stewards of our purchase and get one that will last the best. The Cal Spa rep has been very helpful and he is the repair contact as well. The jacuzzi people have been good as well. Getting the estimate for the box switch today.

CanadianSpaTech:
Spend as much time vetting the dealer as you do brand and price. Spa is no good if you can't get timely service when needed. What is the warranty? Is it prorated over the life of the warranty? Do they provided service in house or do they farm it out to a 3rd party. What is their service reputation? Do they charge a "Trip" fee. Most warranties the factory covers a set amount to the dealer for time on site but don't cover their drive time to and from. This can range from $0-$200 per.

castletonia:
You're not going to find many people with a positive outlook on Cal Spas.  I am a Caldera and Hot Spring dealer, but I did sell Cal Spas years ago.  Their entry level products were not bad for the price, but the more expensive ones with more "bells and whistles" had more issues than they should have.  The biggest issue in my opinion was that Cal Spas did not stand behind their product.  Consider the warranty non-existent.  From the few dealers that I have spoken with about Cal over the last few years, nothing has really changed.

Even though I really do believe in the product that Caldera makes, I'm not going to say they are the only quality game in town.  In addition to them, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, Sundance, Bullfrog, Artesian, Marquis and D1 all make great products.  Use their dealer locators to see what is available to you if you want additional options.

Jet number is irrelevant in my opinion.  Jet type and placement along with being properly powered is more important than having a specific number.

Faith1112:
Thank you for the info. So how would I know if the used Caldera is good? He said it is a 2016 model, and bought it locally from the Caldera dealer.
My house is already wired for the Caldera 30/20 so it would save me 1500 and the tub is much cheaper. The dealer said the Martinique costs 15k new.

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