Tandem Cycling - Santana purchase questions

Hi, and thanks for humoring me here (if you will). I would like to involve my girlfriend in cycling and she has expressed a desire for a tandem. I've been looking about and have run across this bike:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee215/Savaje/Odd%20Stuff/IMG_6309sized.jpg

Does anyone know what year this Santana might be? Just from this photo (I know it's not much to go on), what would be a reasonable price? The size is about right, but I won't know for sure until we ride it, but I don't want to make the trip to see it, if it's over-priced. The current owner has up-graded to a nine speed (rear cassette) from a seven and is asking $900.

Lastly, is there anything in particular that I should be looking for in the way of wear and tear/componentry? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks very much.

This looks like a medium mid '90s Arriva. I have a 1993 Visa that looks the same with a threaded headset. However the Arriva was sold with 8 speed systems, the Visa had 7 speeds.

The OP indicated the bike started life as a seven speed - hence this would be a Visa. However, Gear To Go shows both the Visa and the Arriva as having 8 speeds as of '98. Separating Visa from Arriva may require more precise information than that photo.

You can find more information by doing a Google search for Santana Visa - you'll get back to the archives of this forum.

As for pricing, I would start with Mark Livingood's used tandem pricing tool (google search) using Santana Arriva as your "new equivalent". You will have to adjust for the bar-end vs. STI shifters (that's an upgrade or downgrade depending on your point of view), and the lack of suspension seat post for the stoker. Should you ever wish to tour with it, the bike in question appears to have braze-ons for front low-riders, while the current Arriva does not, as it comes with a carbon fork. Again an upgrade or downgrade, depending on point of view. Also be aware that with the lack of a rear rack, you will likely need to get one made by/for Santana, due to the extra wide spacing on the rear. Just points to note.

As a point of reference, I paid last summer $1300 for a '97 Santana Enduro Fusion - with a rack, drum brake, and pedals. STI shifters and rear tire needed replacing, as did the stoker seat post. You can compare components on Gear To Go's site, as the Enduro line no longer exists.

Take it for a test ride and see if it fits and suits your needs.
You can always make a lower offer . . . ca$h in hand talks!

Thanks for the information, references and replies. Very much appreciated.

Just got an email from the owner—he sold it yesterday. Drat!

Anyway, the search continues. I'd like to acquire a tandem that's got a great frame (that fits us both) and upgrade it with the eventual goal of another cross country and/or European tour. All that and I really want to ride with my gal. She's very much looking forward to it and so am I. Again, thanks for the responses.