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I ordered an 09 Heritage Softail the day after Thanksgiving with the custom root beer color.I got it for $500 off MSRP without any other set-up or destination fees. I think I could have done a little better but, what the heck.
I do love our dealer, but they are not known for the lowest prices in town. When I traded my Nighster for my Street Bob (unfortunately BEFORE the special buyback deal came around), I just stood firm on what I could afford (I financed). How they came around to that figure was up to them. Ultimately they got me a better percentage, took money off the bike price, and gave me a pretty good deal on my trade-in. I didn't push for added accessories, etc., since they had REALLY done well by my hubby when he had traded in his Night Train for his ElectraGlide a few months earlier and I didn't want to push it. But I walked away happy. The big thing I find even when buying a car, is to tell them right up front what YOU are willing to pay, and stick by it. I don't like haggling. I don't want to waste my time or theirs. For me, if a deal can't be struck, well, either a deal can be found elsewhere, or it will just have to wait.
First thing I'd do is call dealers in areas where they do deal. Milwaukee is one area. Find the dealer who will give you the best deal. Then give your local dealer the option of giving you the same deal. When they don't buy from the dealer who would deal.
Last winter a friend saved $2000 on a RK because she bought it in SE Wisconsin rather than where she lives in northern Virginia. And how did she get it from here to there? I rode it!
+1.........There are 7 Dealers within a 100 miles of me........over a foot of snow on the ground........if they don't negotiate during these economic times they are fools........(Paid significantly less than MSRP for my 07 Ultra in April 2007)..........$ .02 WD
I do love our dealer, but they are not known for the lowest prices in town. When I traded my Nighster for my Street Bob (unfortunately BEFORE the special buyback deal came around), I just stood firm on what I could afford (I financed). How they came around to that figure was up to them. Ultimately they got me a better percentage, took money off the bike price, and gave me a pretty good deal on my trade-in. I didn't push for added accessories, etc., since they had REALLY done well by my hubby when he had traded in his Night Train for his ElectraGlide a few months earlier and I didn't want to push it. But I walked away happy. The big thing I find even when buying a car, is to tell them right up front what YOU are willing to pay, and stick by it. I don't like haggling. I don't want to waste my time or theirs. For me, if a deal can't be struck, well, either a deal can be found elsewhere, or it will just have to wait.
Negotiate as a cash deal, regardless. Standfast. Don't rush. Enjoy the process. Eat up their time. After they find out it's a financed deal (if it is), hold out for a better interest rate. Hold out, but don't be ridiculous with you're numbers. Let them know that you buy the bike "today," if you get your deal. BE PATIENT and eat their time. They will try to wear you down. Turn the tables and wear them down. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating. The real negotiating begins when the sales manager steps in, and comes over to deal.
I sell new and used cars for a living, and am usually in the top 4 of 15 salesmen. I've often thought of starting a business for a small fee to negotiate deals for buyers.
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I agree with F1J1. Be patient. I think now is a great time to start to deal. The dealers will get a bump in traffic in another month or so when winter starts to turn to spring. They won't be dealing as freely then.
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