“Buy jet skis on Facebook Marketplace, they said. It will be fun, they said.” After all, these days, a new Yamaha wave runner usually starts above $10,000. So when @aveteranslife decided to buy a jet ski, he opted for a pair of used models. Unfortunately, after about an hour out on the water, he realized he had made a big mistake.

Why buying a used, untested jet ski is risky

Buying a used jet ski far from water is, to put it bluntly, a huge gamble.

To start, you have no idea how it actually runs. It might power up fine on land, but that doesn’t tell you how it handles on water. 

You won’t know if the engine overheats, stalls, or has poor acceleration. Some problems only show up under real riding conditions.

You also can’t tell if the jet ski takes on water, has electrical issues, or if the impeller or jet pump is damaged. These are expensive parts to repair. 

If you skip a water test, you could end up with a machine that needs thousands in work right away. It’s like buying a used car you’ve never driven. You’re trusting the seller more than the machine, and that might not end well.

And that’s exactly what happened to @aveteranslife

According to the TikTok, one jet ski took on water, and the other wouldn’t even run once he got it out there.

All told, he says he used them for about an hour to 90 minutes before realizing how bad off the used rec toys were.

The comments arrived with some mechanical advice and a whole lot of warnings in hindsight

It seems like @aveteranslife is working to DIY the jet ski pair back to water life. One commenter recommended he pull the spark plugs and crank the engine to dry it out. 

After that, it should start fine. Then he should fix the carbon seal to prevent future leaks. 

For the other jet ski, they said to clean the carburetor and adjust the fuel pressure setting. If it runs fine out of the water but dies in the water, it’s probably an idle setting that needs a tweak.

“You either meet the seller at water or ask for a big discount.”

“You gotta take stuff on the water before you dish out cash for it.”

“Never buy water toys on land, never buy land toys on water.”

How to get a used jet ski inspected before or after you buy one

You can take a used jet ski to a powersports dealership or a local repair shop. Most dealers that sell Yamaha, Sea-Doo, or Kawasaki jet skis also offer inspections and maintenance. They have trained technicians and the right tools. Some may not work on brands they don’t sell, so it helps to call first.

Independent marine mechanics and boat repair shops are also good options. Many specialize in personal watercraft and may even offer mobile services. Marinas sometimes have on-site mechanics who can inspect or fix jet skis. Look for businesses with good reviews and certifications, of course.

MotorBiscuit reached out to @aveteranslife via TikTok direct message for comment.