Should I get a 2014 now, or wait and get a newer model? Any 'gotta have' features?

[Carjones]

Hi, brand new to Spyders and looking. I've done a lot of research and come to a conclusion on a few things:

1. I want a 1330 motor;
2. I'm going to transition from one Spyder (for me and my GF) to each of us having our own. Maybe an RT Limited for me at some point?

There are several 2014 RT's I've looked at, but I am wondering if I should get a newer model? Any features anyone would say are "gotta haves?"

Thanks,
Bob

 

[KX5062]

The "gotta haves" is in the eye of the beholder and only you can make that call.

I had a 2014 and now a 2020 RT and I honestly liked the 2014 slightly better. I do all my own work and I think, though more complicated, the 2014 body paneling is made better. The paint seemed to be better as well with fewer rock chips and road blemishes. The newer instrumentation is better than the older set up, plus the quicker start up procedures are superior, but IIRC the 2014 can be updated to the newer quick start up protocols.

To me, I'd chase the deal rather than the year, assuming you only look to the 2014 and newer.

 

[Carjones]

Thank you for your response-very helpful. I wonder if you've ever had the chance to try out an F3 Limited? Also, can you weigh in on the sound system-do you like the BRP system with Bluetooth included vs trying to work around the am/fm system (pre-2018) to work with an Iphone for example?

 

[2dogs]

The '14s seemed to be one of the years with the fewest troubling issues, provided they were properly maintained.

 

[Carjones]

Do you happen to know if '14-up RT/F3 Limited's came with Cruise Control?

 

[crna59]

Yeah, for me, I just didn't like the body style of the newer '20+ models. I definitely didn't want the first model of the 1330, since most times manufacturers are working the bugs out. I wanted a '16 - '18 and found the perfect mint specimen. Zero problems... I think I got a Unicorn....
Good-luck with hunting....

 

[Mikey]

If you are going to do your own services on it, buy a 2014; but if you are not going to work on it, save your money and get something closer to the eight or seven-year-old style, because there are more and more shops not working on the older rides! Be patient and shop around, not in a hurry, they're out there!

 

[JayBros]

I've owned my RT-S for 11 years this month and 94,600+ miles. The only thing requiring replacement was a parking brake motor at a bit over a year under factory warranty. BRP B.E.S.T. extended warranty expired unused. I have no intention of replacing it. I do most of the maintenance myself per the manufacturer's schedule and an excellent dealership does the rest.

 

[2dogs]

If you are going to do your own services on it, buy a 2014; but if you are not going to work on it, save your money and get something closer to the eight or seven-year-old style, because there are more and more shops not working on the older rides! Be patient and shop around, not in a hurry, they're out there!

Good advice. Beware, however, the day is not far off when they won't be servicing or working on people over 50 years old.

 

[JayBros]

The dealership technician who has been working on mine since I bought it said last year when it was in for new front Vredesteins and its biennial brake fluid flush that he doesn't see many Spyders with the mileage I have on mine.

 

[UtahPete]

Do you happen to know if '14-up RT/F3 Limited's came with Cruise Control?

Yes

I've owned my RT-S for 11 years this month and 94,600+ miles. The only thing requiring replacement was a parking brake motor at a bit over a year under factory warranty. BRP B.E.S.T. extended warranty expired unused. I have no intention of replacing it. I do most of the maintenance myself per the manufacturer's schedule and an excellent dealership does the rest.

What year is your RT-S?

 

[Deanna777]

Do you happen to know if '14-up RT/F3 Limited's came with Cruise Control?

I have a 2023 F3 LTD SS and it has cruise control.


Also, I had a 2014 RTS-SE6 (since sold) and it also had cruise control.

Deanna

 

[JayBros]

Yes


What year is your RT-S?

2014 Cognac, built in March.

 

[JayBros]

The 2014 RT-S has cruise control as standard. If I sound like a broken record for a '14 RT-S or Limited it's because of the success I've had with mine and, while I know there are a lot of 2020-2025 owners who have good luck with theirs, I am turned off by proprietary electronic dashboards, including the one on my 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid. OTOH, BRP could learn a lot from Honda.

 

[Lew L]

Like Jay, I like my 2014 RT-S. I've modded it for performance not looks. Over the years it's given a few problems such as the thermostat falling apart and the DESS needing replacement but other than those 2 items it has been fast and flawless.

Lew L

 

[Carjones]

I can get a white 2014 RT with 13K out the door and delivered from TX to MN for $10,000. It's at a Harley Dealership from a trade and I think they are eager to get rid of it. That seems like a good deal and it's in really nice shape.

 

[jjc54]

If you buy this machine check the dates on the tires. If the front tires are the originals they must be changed no mater how much tread they still have. Unless you can determine when the brake fluid and coolant was last changed these should be changed out also.