So here's the deal, I am going to buy a portage and main ultimizer before the wonderful epa tells me I can't. I have the option to buy brand new ($8,700 plus tax etc) or a used boiler. The used one has been used in a garage and is only 1year old, well maintained, excellent shape. The problem I have is this, how does a guy go about pricing a used boiler? Are they like a car and lose 20% as soon as you drive out the lot or do they hold value better? Checked craigslist but can't find anything comparable... any insight would be great!
used boiler pricing
- Thread starter bailey farm
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brenndatomu
Minister of Fire
I doubt you will get a majority consensus on a specific value. Just like at auction, it is worth whatever you or someone else is willing to pay for it. Bottom line, is it enough less than a new one to justify the loss of warranty time and/or any unseen/unknown problems?
brant2000
Feeling the Heat
I completely agree with brenndatomu. Although everyone is always going to have their story as to why they no longer need it, the fact is that if someone is looking to get rid of something that quickly you have be concerned that there is some other hidden reason that they don't want it. I would say that if it's been installed and used for a day, that just the introduction of "unknowns" knocks at least 20% off the value (probably more).
stee6043
Minister of Fire
Why would a guy be selling a one year old boiler?
I'd personally offer 50% on something like that. Offer him $4,500 and you'll pick it up. $5,000 and he delivers.
I'd personally offer 50% on something like that. Offer him $4,500 and you'll pick it up. $5,000 and he delivers.
maple1
Minister of Fire
What are the advantages to owning & operating an Ultimizer, vs. a boiler that could be bought after the 'epa deadline'?
Eric Johnson
Mod Emeritus
A used boiler is a real crap shoot. You have no idea what condition it's really in, etc. For that reason, I agree with stee. Offer half of what a new one goes for and see how far that takes you.
That said, if you can afford to buy a new one, the new EPA regs will result in better, more efficient boilers. You'll save money and effort over time by burning less wood.
That said, if you can afford to buy a new one, the new EPA regs will result in better, more efficient boilers. You'll save money and effort over time by burning less wood.
BoiledOver
Minister of Fire
I must apologize here. I left details out for the sake of not having to type as much. Guess that's biting me in the ass now.. I don't want a gasser for the simple reason that I have a limitless supply of wood (440 acre farm) and just want a big, dumb, feed me twice a day and I'll keep you warm boiler that is more efficient than a standard stove pipe Boiler. The owner of the boiler is planning on heating over 4,000 square feet next winter so he is simply upgrading to the next size up of boilers. So it's kind of a two birds, one stone kind of situation. I know the family and the dealer fairly well and believe the boiler to be on good working condition at the least. And I will still have 18 years of warranty left when I get it so I figure it's a good bet. Just want to get the best deal possible.
go see where he is at with his price .. Joe off the street isn't goanna pay much at all .....he's getting the next size up "so he has a price in mine" in order to buy the new one ....only down side I see is u "know them"....and if the stove happen to" chit the bed rite quick" ....it would be no fun to know them anymore. .2cent
woodsmaster
Minister of Fire
18 years on the warranty is funny. better read the fine print. After 5 years I bet you pay 80% of the repair. that 80% will be more than enough for it to not cost the manufacturer anything to fix it. If Im wrong let me Know what you find out please.
stee6043
Minister of Fire
Hmm....there is still much to wonder about here. There is no way a 4,000 square foot house needs more than 225,000 btu/hr in output which happens to be the smallest of the boiler line you're looking at (Ultimizer). Even P&M says their smallest Ultimizer is good for "4,000sq.ft plus".
I think the family you know well is being taken advantage of by the dealer you know fairly well. He's already got a monster of a boiler suitable for the size home he has unless he leaves all of his windows and doors open all winter long...
maple1
Minister of Fire
Yes - I have read of all kinds of cases where people had to replace a boiler due to early failure, but not many where warranty covered much. Some of the Elite 100s I think they got some help - but pretty sure it wasn't all satisfaction all the time even after just a year or 2 of operation.
Likely the first thing they would ask is for you to ship the boiler back to the factory, at your cost - then we'll check it out. Who would want to do that?
Likely the first thing they would ask is for you to ship the boiler back to the factory, at your cost - then we'll check it out. Who would want to do that?
Thank you all for the information, much appreciated. I hope to get over there this weekend and check it out so maybe have more info after that.
Thanks again, you guys are a wealth of knowledge.
Thanks again, you guys are a wealth of knowledge.
That portage and main is good boiler, i have a bl 28-40 shaker grate, heating a 2500sq ft house with dhw. is used one a portage? you need to know how large of stove and sq your heating and not to exceed your sq heating of home or out buildings, you want to get inside of stove with bright lamp and look for tell tale signs of corrosion , it is very hard to inspect inside to many hidden areas that are dark. you might find out what selling price of that unit and take 30% off that and go from there.
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