Run , don't walk away, buy from a private seller or a metric or independent shop.

 

"Next thing is the associated price on the bike costs. It appears to me that they are adding all the costs on their "for sale value" and not on the price after the money I am willing to put down. (i.e...If I put down 5K on a 10K bike, shouldn't the associated fees (tax, license and whatever) be based on the 5K price and not their initial 10K price)."


I think that part has already been answered. If you are not trading in your bike, then your taxes are probably based on the whole purchase amount, or at least that is the way most states figure it.


I have purchased a one year old Harley from a dealer with very good luck. My son has purchased a one year old Harley from a private seller with good luck. My most recent purchase (almost 3 year old Harley) was from a non-Harley motorcycle shop and I got a really good buy.


My advise to anyone looking for a good used bike is to take your time and don't be afraid to check CL and other internet sites. My son and I try to limit our searches to 500 miles or less distance from the seller. It took me about 3 months to find my last Harley.

 

You need to find another dealer. And don't overlook used car dealers- often they'll take a bike on a trade and just want to blow it off their lot. I've bought 2 low mileage (<1000) Harleys this way.

 

Appreciate the responses and input. And looking at CL seems the way to go.

 

Also... www.cycletrader.com if in your area. I sold a bike 2 years ago in 2 days on it. Free to start.

 

Don't confuse "Trade-in" value (you pay sales tax on the balance owed) with "cash down" (you pay sales tax on the full sale price.
Nowadays, many dealers put their "used" inventory on their website. You can do a lot of shopping from the Lazy-Boy, that and right now is a "Buyer's Market" in used and new bikes. There are plenty out there and deals to be made.

 

Buying from a dealer is just a matter of convince - seriously, look around for a local garage queen on CL or something - you will get a much better bike for less $$

 

Um... Your going to pay the same fees weather you buy from a dealer or private and its on the full purchase price.. Dont see an issue here

 

If you buy from a private party, and there are problems, you have no recourse. A dealer may stand behind the sale.
I am very happy with my bike that I bought from a dealer. It was an 8 year old Garage Queen with only 2k miles.

 

Um??? If you buy from a dealer, you'll pay "SALES TAX" which could be as much as $8-900- on a $8600- bike. There is NO sales tax on a "Private Sale".
UMMMM.....???