Good Buy?
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Good Buy?
I've never owned a Harley, or a preowned bike before but I need a cheap replacement since my last one got stolen. The local dealership has a 2003 883 Hugger with 2,500~ miles on it. I know that's pretty low mileage but the 16 year age makes me wonder if it's worth it? Does the age even matter if the mileage is low? Like I said I've never bought preowned and know nothing about it so it might be a stupid question. Any advice is appreciated.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 669
Likes: 185
From: Maumelle, AR
so, your new bike got stolen and you want an 03 bike for what 2-3k (my assumption, need more info)...........your insurance sucks or did you not have any
but......need more info, lots of things need to be looked at
is it worth it, that's up to you and the info you have
and welcome to HDF
but......need more info, lots of things need to be looked at
is it worth it, that's up to you and the info you have
and welcome to HDF
Last edited by Zateeva; Oct 1, 2019 at 08:24 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
so, your new bike got stolen and you want an 03 bike for what 2-3k (my assumption, need more info)...........your insurance sucks or did you not have any
but......need more info, lots of things need to be looked at
is it worth it, that's up to you and the info you have
and welcome to HDF
but......need more info, lots of things need to be looked at
is it worth it, that's up to you and the info you have
and welcome to HDF
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 536
Likes: 181
From: GA/FL
I think $4k is wayyy to high for that bike. You mentioned dealership - so you know they are going to rake you over the coals with the extra ‘fees’ on top of the $4k.
I would check your local facebook marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist ads.
There are quite a few people picking up 2007 and newer sportsters for $2k-3k at this time of year... My $.02 is to pass on the ‘03 and search out a newer bike.
If you need to finance the bike (hence the reason you are looking at a dealership), I would consider spending a little more and getting a used Iron or Custom (depending on your style preference).
I would check your local facebook marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist ads.
There are quite a few people picking up 2007 and newer sportsters for $2k-3k at this time of year... My $.02 is to pass on the ‘03 and search out a newer bike.
If you need to finance the bike (hence the reason you are looking at a dealership), I would consider spending a little more and getting a used Iron or Custom (depending on your style preference).
Road Captain
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 669
Likes: 185
From: Maumelle, AR
4k seems high for an 03 in my area, but dealer always charges more......the age is not that old, proper care and it will last another 50 yrs, but still lots to look at, tires, all the rubber for dry rot.... service records
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 380
Likes: 153
From: Hot Springs, SD
A bit pricy.....I just got the same bike a month or so ago with 16K on the clock, quite a few farkles already installed and paid $2500........bought it from a dealer but not a HD dealer. KBB is around $2100 if I remember correctly.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 911
Likes: 647
From: west coast
Agree with the others that the price is waaay to high, especially since a 883 Hugger is one of the less desirable Sportsters for many. But a bigger issue is to figure out if you want a solid mount bike (pre 2004, lighter but more vibes) or rubbermount 2004+ also 883 vs. 1200. Hopefully maybe you can test ride a few different Sportsters or better yet rent a few for a full day...that is how I figured out that I definitely wanted to go with a 1200. FWIW the sportier versions have a big following, XL1200S, XL1200R and XL883R.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 472
Likes: 310
From: St. Louis, MO
Yeah, they're wearing ski masks. I paid 4K for my '04 XL1200C with 1100 miles two years ago, and it had some nice extras as well as limited-edition paint. The age shouldn't scare you mechanically, but you will definitely need to buy new tires. Too many great used bikes with ultra-low miles sitting in garages, seek out a private-party sale.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 1,029
From: East Flanders - Belgium
Welcome to the forum Iroh
In Europe 4K would be a steal,I bought a Hugger 100year anniversary last year for 6K and I just needed the engine so 4K is a good price for a whole bike if it is well maintained.
I parted the bike out and kept only the frame and engine so the engine costed me about 2K and that is cheap considering they sell them here for 2,5K at least and then you do not
now if it runs.
So I would say, if the bike looks and drives good, go for it and make them a offer because the engine from that year is oke.
In Europe 4K would be a steal,I bought a Hugger 100year anniversary last year for 6K and I just needed the engine so 4K is a good price for a whole bike if it is well maintained.
I parted the bike out and kept only the frame and engine so the engine costed me about 2K and that is cheap considering they sell them here for 2,5K at least and then you do not
now if it runs.
So I would say, if the bike looks and drives good, go for it and make them a offer because the engine from that year is oke.