Fair price for used well-used i67?

[snoutmeat]

Howdy-

It seems like most of the HTs I see for sale, both here and on Ebay, are in pristine condition. I know there are numerous Segway rental businesses out there -- don't those get sold off periodically as well?

There's a i67 for sale that's seen quite a bit of use (is there an easy way to tell how many hours of use it's had?) The red rubber is missing from the button on the handlebar, one of the fenders is missing a piece, and there are other scuffs and scrapes on it. It was a "loaner" vehicle since the days when the HT first came out. When it was brand new, someone had it checked out to play with every week, and then, as Segways were no longer "the latest thing", it got borrowed less and less. When unused, it sat in a closet plugged in to power. I can't even guess how many people have been on it, but it's still fully functional. The tires look good, it travels smoothly -- haven't spent enough time with it to see how much of a charge the battery holds. What do you figure it's worth? I figure I'm in for a battery replacement sooner or later -- a web search for replacement batteries only turned up one place selling a generic for $250, but it was unclear whether that got me one battery or two. Looks like $300 apiece from Segway. What else wears out? Should I be worried about an expensive repair? There's also a much less-used P series for sale, but after spending a week with the i67, the P seems like a real step down -- slower top speed, shorter range, etc -- but a nearly-new P might be a better deal than a well-used i. Thoughts? Advice?

Thank you!

[Stewbonz]

You may be looking at replacing some other worn parts.
Possibly:

Handlebar,
Grips,
Charging base,(worn connectors)
Kickstand,
Floormat,
Fenders,
Tires / Wheels,
Batteries,
(hope the screws arn't stripped).
Bumper.

Send it off for a repair or two?
Balance sensor assembly,
Controlor Board,
Motors.



JEFF JARVIS
http://www.thailandsegwaytours.com/

[snoutmeat]

Hi Jeff-

That sounds pretty expensive -- like I'd be better off just getting a new(er) one (?) The kickstand is broken, but that didn't bother me when I was borrowing it -- I just leaned it up against something. With the kickstand down, I think it's just too tempting for someone to jump on it (and break off the kickstand). They're asking $1500 -- does that seem steep or about right?

[Dragan]

1500 isn't bad, but as Jeff said, if you have to start replacing components, it can quickly add up. You're getting what you pay for, just like a used car. I guess if you don't mind the potential for repairs, and it runs well, it's not a bad deal, but you're batteries are probably getting pretty trashed based on the type of use it's seen, so I expect that'd be your first hit in the pocket-book
Wayne

Segway of Alberta - Calgary
www.mysegway.ca

[Stewbonz]

I doubt you will need all of the above but you most likely will need somthing.(batteries)

Why don't you find a Segway Chat Member in your area to help evaluate the machine?

If not concerned about cosmetics it could be a good deal and a good runner for a long time.


JEFF JARVIS
http://www.thailandsegwaytours.com/

[austin@SOH]

$1500 for a machine is a really good deal, especially if it is running well. There are a few points that I would look over before finally deciding. First thing to do is take off the control shaft and examine the connectors and wires. The red button machines tend to have a problem with wire chafing. Here is what the manufacturer tells us as dealers to look for:

-Fasteners
-Mat
-Grips
-Wheels
-Batteries

Make sure that you spend time riding it, while varying speeds, and listen to the machine. If there is anything abnormal, just post it here and I am sure that someone will know what might be the problem.

Austin Colby (Austin@SOH)
Segway of Hagerstown
339 West Antietam Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (301) 766-0488 Mon-Fri 10am-6pm EST
Fax: (301) 766-0215

[snoutmeat]

I guess the other question would be...if you could get this "i" or a "p" that's been used a lot less, either one for $1500, which would you go with? If you're used to an i, does a p seem like a big step down?

Thanks!

[snoutmeat]

Austin-

The manufacturer tells you to look at those items to assess what will need replacing, or to determine the age/use of the machine?

[austin@SOH]

It has a lot to do with the use of the machine and the condition that it is in. If you are able to purchase a functioning machine for $1500, I would say take it. Unfortunately there is no way to tell the amount of hours that the machine has logged unless it is sent back to the LLC.

Here are a few things you might have to look foward to replacing in the future:

1. Handlebar and CSB - Segway switched manufacturers from Hypertonics to Elcon due to a desing conflict. The hypertonics tend to wear out quicker and cause problems with the machine.

2. Batteries - As many people have said here on the forum, the batteries do eventually wear out and that is just one of those expenses.

3. Tires - The wear indicators are a very helpful tool. Take a good look at the tread.

To replace all the above, here is a little breakdown:

Batteries: $295/battery (2 needed)
Tires: $95/tire
Control Shaft Base (has to be put on by authorized service): $495.00
Control Shaft and Handlebar: $450.00
(14.0 Software Upgrade Recommended)
Total: ~$1900.00 Including Labor

I would recommend you purchasing an i series, as it is worth the couple extra dollars for the upgrade. The one you are looking at will probably serve you just fine and in my opinion, that is a good price. You can even purchase blemished replacement fenders that look like they are brand new for ~$42.00 a peice. You will also have support for the lithium batteries when they are released, which at this point will not be available for the "p".

Also, for words of encouragement, we bought an i167 that was manufactured in '02 and used for tours for a fair amount more. That price is almost a steal.

Austin Colby (Austin@SOH)
Segway of Hagerstown
339 West Antietam Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (301) 766-0488 Mon-Fri 10am-6pm EST
Fax: (301) 766-0215

[snoutmeat]

Thanks all for the advice. I bit the bullet and am now a proud Segway owner. I gave it a good once-over, and it's not bad cosmetically. I'll be replacing both fenders, and there are a few scrapes and scuffs elsewhere, but functionally it seems as good as it was the first time I rode it ~3 years ago. Of course, I had to take it out for a spin -- went up and over a big hill from my neighborhood to the next one over, then rode around a bit, and then rode back home. I don't know how fully-charged it was before I left (gauge said "full", but dropped a bar quickly), but I was at ~half a tank when I got home. Total driving distance was ~3 miles, and it was hilly, and several people took it for a spin. Battery life may not be as good as it was when it was new, but it seems to be holding up reasonably well.

I also wanted to get this particular model because I know some of its history. Is there some way to tell how early/late a model is based on the serial number?

Thanks!

[austin@SOH]

Segway can tell you the history and the manufactured date if you give them a ring. You may also want to send a bill of sale to them, so that the machine will be in your name in case something would happen. Congrats on the new purchase though, I have a new i180 yellow and absolutely love it. You may want to hold off on new batteries until the Lithiums become availabe, and then you can get your software upgraded too.

Austin Colby (Austin@SOH)
Segway of Hagerstown
339 West Antietam Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (301) 766-0488 Mon-Fri 10am-6pm EST
Fax: (301) 766-0215

[legpain]

Condition the batteries!!! You will see life come back. As you stated it was in a closet plugged in. I would say the bstteries just need to be run down and recharged then you'll see what they are really like.

John

[Stewbonz]

Takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

Now try to keep from doing a snoutplant.

JEFF JARVIS
http://www.thailandsegwaytours.com/

[toybuilder]

quote:Originally posted by snoutmeat

I'll be replacing both fenders, and there are a few scrapes and scuffs elsewhere, but functionally it seems as good as it was the first time I rode it ~3 years ago.

Congrats! I'd say don't bother replacing the fenders just yet if it's only cosmetically damaged... You might find that automotive fender trim might be good enough for making your fender look nice.