Harman P68 used, Any advice good or bad about a used 2005 P68

[Doug Doty]

I found one for sale locally and trying to learn if there have been desirable changes since the 2005 model, looks lightly used but would have to inspect. market value ??

Thanks,
Doug...

 

[Bioburner]

Nicer looking door on the newer ones.

 

[bags]

I have a new one and love it. It throws out some serious heat. Not familiar with the '05 model. They seem to be bullet proof stoves in general. What is the price? New ones can be had for right at $4,000. I paid $3,950 in October new at a dealer in Sunman, IN.

 

[bogieb]

Here in New England, that would be a 2k-2500 stove, if in good shape. However, I believe prices in the Midwest are lower so YMMV. Harmans are pretty rugged although it seems the most complaints I have seen lately are either the ESP getting dirty (a cleaning issue) or the control board going south. The newer stoves probably have an upgraded control board, but don't think that is enough to turn down an older stove.

 

[F4jock]

I found one for sale locally and trying to learn if there have been desirable changes since the 2005 model, looks lightly used but would have to inspect. market value ??

Thanks,
Doug...

As bogieb said, Harmans are pretty rugged but there are a few areas to be aware of. At worst, if all the fans and vacuum sensors are OK you'll pay maybe 300$ for a new board and ESP should both be bad. Check the door and intake gaskets too. Most parts are readily available for DIY.

 

[Doug Doty]

they want stupid money, I offered a max of 2500 subject to inspection hoping to get it down a bit more in person at the time. I felt this was at least 500 more than I shoukd pay but it was local. They countered at 2900 so it is going to have to sit there a while. I don't mind a good used stove but wont pay too much, 2500 seemed too much for 10 years old to me. I can buy a new one anytime. Dealer has 3 in stock. It is the one on Ebay now, I am just local to it by chance.

What I was really looking for here was if they might have been cheapened up over the years and the old stove might be a great find if in lightly used condition. ??? I did read above a little about this with the Harman buy out but nothing specific. Would like to hear from a Harman longtimer that really knows them through the years to chime in !!

 

[bags]

In my opinion the seller is kidding himself and your $2,500 should be an offer he should jump on. It's a 10 year old used stove. I think $1,500 to $1,800 would be a decent deal for you on it depending on how it checks out and what it needs. $2,900 .............. I guess the seller has grand ideas about what he owns and is trying to sell. I'd counter back at $1,500 final offer. Take it or leave it. Is this guy thinking he is going to get every dime back he ever put into it? Even if you picked it up for $2,500 and might have to throw several more hundred at it in short order the gap on the brand new one at $3,900 gets pretty tight.

What was the MSRP on that unit in 2005? Probably about what he thinks he wants for it. I don't think that thing will be moving anywhere for that price anytime soon. He might as well stock up on pellets and use it to stay warm.

 

[Doug Doty]

Ya, i bet it's list was about the asking price when new. I think the issue is it is at a ebay store so there is a reseller markup added in and it makes it unrealistic. I sent a cordial response to contact me if they reconsidered. I'd go max of 2500 if it checked out well and looked to had little use but that is a Max. I think half of new is more realistic as well.

I was really hoping for a responder to say the old stoves were built heavier or more robust in some way as a little incentive but it really don't move the marker for me on used value much. I stopped by Weidmans as you mentioned and they look like the place to buy new harman for sure. Had (3) 68's in stock, I checked out the other dealer just north of 275 as well and was not as impressed.

 

[rex66]

I bought my Harman P61A in 2005 and paid $2100 on sale.... this cat must be pretty myopic to believe the rest of the world is that dumb. I agree with bags. I'd offer $1500 max and if he doesn't bite he can enjoy his 200 pound paperweight.

 

[bags]

Yeah Stan is the man! Was he there when you stopped in? Glad you check them out. I am not promoting them because that is where I bought mine. I bought mine there because of them and my endless looking and research. There are several closer shops and dealers to me. I hit numerous dealers and shops. Many selling them are clueless sales types that really don't understand what they are selling. Stan isn't going to disappear after the sale either. Anytime I have called and he was not there someone else was and he promptly got back with me. Glad you got up there to check them out. Sticker shock is never pleasant! I have seen some of the stuff about Harman being bought out. I am not sure the quality has declined at all and most of it is someone's opinion anyway. There are some long timers around that do have excellent knowledge and I too would like to see some facts on that.

Technology has advanced more with them and these things are heavy and robust still. The older ones (some models) might have weighed a bit more like many stoves of the past.

 

[F4jock]

Ya, i bet it's list was about the asking price when new. I think the issue is it is at a ebay store so there is a reseller markup added in and it makes it unrealistic. I sent a cordial response to contact me if they reconsidered. I'd go max of 2500 if it checked out well and looked to had little use but that is a Max. I think half of new is more realistic as well.

I was really hoping for a responder to say the old stoves were built heavier or more robust in some way as a little incentive but it really don't move the marker for me on used value much. I stopped by Weidmans as you mentioned and they look like the place to buy new harman for sure. Had (3) 68's in stock, I checked out the other dealer just north of 275 as well and was not as impressed.

Don't think Harman has cheapened the components any but they have upgraded the electronics some.