A new hobie 16 is worth over $7000.A 1996 model well taken care of does not depreciate that much.Half price is a good deal.If you value what a boat looks like,then the newer model is the way to go.If your serious about buying a good boat then pay the price.If not save yourself a $1000 and buy an older boat that looks like hell.(older boats can still be made to preform).If this boat was located close to where I live I,d sell my 1986 model and buy the 1996 model at that price.Just my $0.02
Mike