Jet skis can be an expensive toy, but there are ways to save money on buying a jet ski if you know what you’re doing.  In this jet skis buying guide, you’ll learn the 5 tips for saving money on jet skis that could keep up to 30% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (msrp) in your pocket.  Either that or you can spend it on jet ski accessories to customize your approach to hitting the water.  By the way, these tips are mostly designed for buying new jet skis, but many can be applied to buying used jet skis as well, and the last one is specifically about buying a used model.

Tip #1: Shop Around

It used to be that only local dealers sold new jet skis and you could take their price or drive 100 miles to maybe save a few bucks at another dealer.  The internet has changed everything and it has made jet ski prices much more competitive.  Shop online and you’ve got your pick of prices from all over the country.  If you choose to buy local, take in a low internet price you find and ask your local jet skis dealer to match the price.  You’ll save 5% to 15% with this tactic alone.

Tip #2: Buy Offseason

Patience pays off when shopping for jet skis.  If you can hang onto your money until September or October, depending on where you live, you’ll get great end of the year discounts on jet skis.  Dealers want to clear their inventories to get their cash out of the product but also to make way for the snowmobiles they typically also sell.  If jet skis are still available into the winter, you may save even more.

Tip #3: Don’t Buy Features you Don’t Need

Sometimes we impulsively spend more on products to get features that aren’t essential to our purposes.  With jet skis it’s usually engine size and seating capacity.  If you are a beginner to the sport, maybe you don’t need a 1,200cc engine.  You’d probably be better off with a 750cc model that’s safer and easier to handle.  And if 90% of the time it would be just you on the jet ski, money you spend to upgrade to a 2-up model is probably wasted.

Tip #4: Make an Attractive Offer

The online version of this is to buy jet skis at auction sites where you can be patient until you get the jet ski you want at a more affordable price.  If you’re buying from a local jet skis dealer, understand that there’s always room to negotiate.  Do your research ahead of time so that you know what you want and how much you want to spend.  Go in ready to buy.  Don’t say “if I buy this, will you give me a good deal?”  Say, “I’d like to purchase that Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 260 today.  I see you’ve got it listed at $12,999.  If you’ll give it to me for $11,500, I’ll sign the deal right now.”  You’ll get the dealers attention and you’ll save money.

Tip #5: Buy a Jet Ski that is Just a Few Years Old

Some jet skis that are only 1-3 years old have been abused, and you need to spot those if you can.  But most people who sell after a few years decided that the sport wasn’t really for them.  Most are lightly used and in good condition.  And most sellers are eager to get what money they can out of an item they no longer want.  In other words, they’ll likely give you a very good deal.  Whether you’re buying from the guy down the street or from eBay, newer used jet skis can be a great deal.

Summary

You may not be able to use all of these tips for buying jet skis on every purchase.  Employ the ones that apply and you’ll get a jet ski at a price you can feel good about every time you drop it in the water.