Overpriced Model C pm2?

[deedoubleu]

I told my fiance how much I loved the row machine at my college campus' gym so we decided to look for a rower. He decided we should get the Concept 2 because it was the best according to a few people he talked tod. There were no used ones locally (We checked up to an hour away). After checking for 5 mo. we decided to save up for a new model d but it's slightly out of budget right now. He surprised me today with a Model C pm2. The chain will probably need to be replaced. It's pretty rusty half way. But I just found out he paid $647 with tax for it at Play It Again Sports. I don't really know the difference between the two models or monitors. The monitor's bells and whistles aren't a big deal to me I just want to row. But I'm about 95% sure that he overpaid. Is this bad feeling in my gut correct? Rowing felt ok after a while but there seemed to be little slack and stuttering for the first few pulls.

[Citroen]

If you've spent more than $450 then you have been ripped off.

You can get a second hand model D/PM4 for $600.

[jag]

Used value for ANYTHING is not fixed and not predictable. It depends on where you are, the condition it is in, how patient and knowledgeable the seller is, and how lucky you are. You waited for 5 months and didn't find any, so that indicates there is very strong demand in your part of the country/world. I know I've seen Model C's sell for around $600 in the Boston area, though I've also seen them sell (sometimes very quickly) for less. Its like anything - the lower the price and the better the condition the quicker they sell. $650 may be the value in your area - assuming someone else would have bought it if you didn't.

On the other hand, I would say that you would be better off buying a brand new C2 for $900 than paying $650 for one that is that old, but that is my opinion only. If you decide to wait a bit longer to buy a brand new one, or wait to see if you can find a used one for a better price on craigslist, then you should be able to return it since you bought it from a retail store. If you return it and it sells to someone else, that indicates that it really does have that value in your area.

[NippyN]

The chain will probably need to be replaced. It's pretty rusty half way. But I'm about 95% sure that he overpaid. Is this bad feeling in my gut correct?

I reckon don't worry about what you've paid - just get on it, row, get fit and enjoy! It'll be the best $647 dollars you've ever spent. No travelling to the gym, row when you like and as much as you like. As for the chain with a bit of rust on it, get some oil on a rag and give it a wipe. It'll be fine.

[deedoubleu]

Thanks for the input. We decided to return it and see if there are any deals around Black Friday/Cyber Monday instead. Until then I'll keep rowing away on the campus gym rower. Might as well since the gym usage is built into tuition.

[Citroen]

With the excellent build quality, the superb after sales support, high resale prices and everything else about Concept2 you should buy new.

A model D/PM5 is $900, so just under $300 more than you'd paid for that overpriced model C lemon. By the time you'd paid out $180 for a PM5 upgrade you'd have used over half of the difference. Any replacement parts (cords, chain, seat rollers, handle, etc.) would have eaten the rest.

It looks like a simple decision.

[ericallenboyd]

I would get a new one as well with the pm5. I got a new one last year with a pm4 for less than 900 from rogue fitness and i am glad i went new. Well worth the $$ and these things are bullet proof and will last a long time.

[Edward4492]

No Black Friday deals dude. The only time these things go on discount is at CRASH B's or at a satellite regatta. And you only save $100. Think about what you're doing here.To pay $250 less than a brand new machine to get one that is by definition at least 12 years old, needs a chain (I forget how much over $50 plus you need to get it installed). Sounds like it needs a bungee, Has an old monitor which will fail. The ONLY new monitor available from C2 is a PM5 ( $180 plus tax plus $8.00 minimum UPS).
Buying any used monitor is a crap shoot, at least pop the battery cover and look for green corrosion ( a bad sign). The only time I grab a "C" is if I can get one on fire sale under $400 with an operating monitor. You'd be better off investing all the time you spent looking for a bargain working some OT or a PT job for a few weeks to pick up the cash.

There is no better money spent in the world of fitness and training than a brand new C2 model "D".

[NippyN]

As you had the option to take it back, that sounds like a sensible move. And you get to keep rowing on the campus' machine - great news all round!