Yeah, no. Good decision.
Gecko controls which isn't horrible but less desirable than Balboa controls. You can get a compatible heater for the M Class pack if you really wanted to though.
I still think you should seriously consider that 2016 Envoy (if the price isn't an obstacle) even though its a couple hundred miles away from you. That's a hellava tub. You can drain it pretty easily, I would see if you could negotiate with them having an electrician disconnect the spa panel from the main breaker panel. If you have to hire spa movers to pull it out, have them load the trailer as part of the deal. Then you only need help once you get home. Pizza and beer usually works.
You can find a starter tub for $4k or so IF you are prepared to trash it in 5 years. At that price, it's going to be made for the mass market and a throwaway. While I wouldn't touch a Dr Wellness tub with a 40' pole, one can be had in that price range new. It's a low end tub with poor support and will cost more to operate BUT it does serve the purpose as an entry level tub for which you will see what works and what doesn't work and if you will use it on a regular basis 6-12 months after the new hot tub feeling wears off.
I hear ya. I would love the Envoy tbh just not 100% certain I can work out the logistics and you know buying something for $8500 sight unseen 4 hours away is a bit of a leap of faith. If it was say $6500 I think I would have already made arrangements to rent a trailer and go get it. The seller has put me in contact with the shop about moving it/loading it for me but they want way too much to simply move it from his backyard to the street and place on a trailer ($500).
Other concern is this tub by itself weighs 975lbs so that is fair bit heavier than the other tubs I have been looking at. My deck/porch has been reinforced with concrete piers/4x4 posts and additional joists for support but once filled we are talking a lot of weight since this is a decent size tub at 450 gallons.
It certainly is a nicer tub than we have thought of ever getting and I think would be fantastic unit for us if I can make it happen.
All that being said I did find a local dealer today that sells Dimension 1 and Hydropool which seem to be solid brands as well.
They have a D1 Breeze in stock now for $9400
They will have in January Hydropool 6600 for $7400 and a 6800 for $9200
Supposedly in Jan/Feb they could get me into something in the self cleaning line as well for about 10k
All come with cover, lifter, chemicals etc. They do their own service work as well. Hydropool would come with steps too.
I felt really good about the dealer he spent an hour on the phone with me so I don't think I would have an issue buying from them. Downside is they only have the D1 Breeze to dry test in as they have sold everything that has come through the store (common theme I am finding). Naturally the 7400 price of the 6600 sounds a lot better to me but I like what the other 2 offer a tad better being slightly larger and few more features. Hyrdropools would not be available til Jan which kinda stinks but better than a year out of course.
My other options new are going to be
Masterspas Balance 8 - 12k available now
Marquis V84 vector 21 - 13k available now
Sundance 780 Montclair - 13k available now
Sundance 780 Chelsea - 16k available now
Softub Portico - 6k available now
Nothing else from the rest of the vendors til next year some time, unless someone cancels.
Lots to think about. For anyone that has hung on in the this thread to this point you are a brave and crazy soul!
And BTW I cannot thank
@RDspaguy for all his advice and assistance - world class fellow here. Someone get him a beer and steak dinner on me if you are local to him!