Dealers ?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
Dealers ?
I went to my local dealer today intending to help my son purchase his first Harley. He has been riding a 900 Kawasaki Vulcan but wants a Sportster. We fully intended to make a purchase at this dealer. Now I'm not one to bash dealers, I know they need to make a profit and I really like my local dealer. They are always friendly, parts people are good, motor clothes is awesome ect ect.
But when I ask about prices and their starting prices are nearly what a new Sportster costs it just turns me off. I know it's negotiable but how about starting off at a reasonable starting point ?
We were quoted a price of $8995.00 for a 2008 Iron with 8800 miles that had been dropped on the left side. Then we looked at a 2013 Anniversary edition 1200 Custom with 2800 miles for $10900. Really ?
Those starting prices just turned us off to the whole experience. We are going to avoid the dealer now and search the private owned market.
With a reasonable starting price they would have made a sale today.
But when I ask about prices and their starting prices are nearly what a new Sportster costs it just turns me off. I know it's negotiable but how about starting off at a reasonable starting point ?
We were quoted a price of $8995.00 for a 2008 Iron with 8800 miles that had been dropped on the left side. Then we looked at a 2013 Anniversary edition 1200 Custom with 2800 miles for $10900. Really ?
Those starting prices just turned us off to the whole experience. We are going to avoid the dealer now and search the private owned market.
With a reasonable starting price they would have made a sale today.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I don't just sit there and listen to what the new or used bike is listed at. I know what the price should be. I make a offer with the understanding that all I want is a yes or no. If no, walk. I have made some very good deals from a dealer that way.
A buyer needs to make himself the one in charge not the salesman.
A buyer needs to make himself the one in charge not the salesman.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 244
Likes: 1
From: Southeast Louisiana
That's why I drove across the state to get my Iron. My local dealer is spitting distance and every time I went there to look I needed boots because of all the BS. I don't know how many times I had to tell them I want a sporty not a dyna etc. but they kept pushing the issue.
I contacted Carl with Cajun Harley in Lafayette and within no time via text and phone calls the no bullshit deal was done. No hidden fees or undercoating. Because of this I will always take my business there.
Harley needs to take a lesson from other dealers who put the prices on their bikes and don't breathe down the customers neck.
I contacted Carl with Cajun Harley in Lafayette and within no time via text and phone calls the no bullshit deal was done. No hidden fees or undercoating. Because of this I will always take my business there.
Harley needs to take a lesson from other dealers who put the prices on their bikes and don't breathe down the customers neck.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
For some reason they don't drop their price with used bikes. Before i bought my brand new 2013 sportster 1200c, i was looking at a used 2011 1200c with about 4k miles on it. They wanted $9k and wouldn't budge from the price. I went in the next day and negotiated my 2013 for $8,900. doesn't make any sense to me why i bought a brand new bike for $100 less than an exact same model that is 2 years older but I'm happy with the purchase, lol. Try looking at a new bike with your son, you might be happier with the price.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 895
Likes: 27
From: Outside Dover, OH
Dealers are for buyin new bikes + parts, their used bike prices are LUDICROUS! Not just yours, all of them.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
I agree with all that has been said. I purchased both of my bikes from private sellers used but it was a lengthy process. My son wanted to go to the dealer mainly for the convenience of looking at multiple bikes on the same day at the same place. I understand you pay for this convenience but was shocked at the used bike prices. I'm a pretty good negotiator but it's difficult to even want to enter negotiations when they start out ridiculous high.
We will go the private party sale route for sure now. We may even look at new bikes as someone posted new prices seem to be able to be negotiated near what they want for used. I just can't believe that some people actually pay those used prices at the dealer.
We will go the private party sale route for sure now. We may even look at new bikes as someone posted new prices seem to be able to be negotiated near what they want for used. I just can't believe that some people actually pay those used prices at the dealer.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,337
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
Dealers Price them high hoping that it might just make a buyer buy a new one or it also allows the buyer to negotiate on a price but typically the Dealer still gets more than they would have sold it for.
I think they give outstanding turn in prices for sporties for people stepping up in models so they try their hardest to recoup some of what they gave away. I would never buy a used bike from a Dealer as many have already said in less they were selling it far below the average used price - which I have never seen.
I think they give outstanding turn in prices for sporties for people stepping up in models so they try their hardest to recoup some of what they gave away. I would never buy a used bike from a Dealer as many have already said in less they were selling it far below the average used price - which I have never seen.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I'm a pretty good negotiator but it's difficult to even want to enter negotiations when they start out ridiculous high.
I bought my first sporty through craigslist. For sportys, it's a buyers market as they are quickly upgraded. I have seen almost brand new sportys for 6500. Use the dealer to find out exactly what model your son favors and then go find that model private party. Good luck in your search.
Or, sell him yours and upgrade your second bike to a dyna....just sayin...
Last edited by rooti; Dec 1, 2013 at 11:03 AM.