Is it ever worth it buying from a used dealer?

[Boots]

Forum Sponsor

I'm In the market for a cruiser style motorcycle, and because of that I've been innundated with sponsored ads mainly from various used dealers near me. Their pricing isn't really competitive to the used market - especially after taxes (). I understand their bikes come safetied and all the background work to sus out sketchy bikes is already done, and i haven't messaged any of them yet but i'd be willing to bet they don't negotiate over messages they'll only do it in person.

I feel like the only time i'd go to a dealership for a bike it'd have to be a brand new bike with a warranty etc.

But what are your experiences buying used from a dealer? Is it worth it or should i just stick to private sale?

 

[cycling]

I went to KIA at Newmarket. 3 motorbikes in stock. The Ducati Diavel. 2015. 8000 Kms. Like all dealers, all very nice.
The problem was that I wanted a red one. Was Matt Black.
They wanted $17,000. Plus taxes.
Walked away.
Eventually, called me several times.
They then, wanted $14000. Taxes all in.
Thought about it.
Went to several other dealers. The price was nowhere near for Kia.
Bought it.
That's it.

 

[TwistedKestrel]

I think I've *looked* at used bikes being sold by a dealership before. Some them offer a warranty with it (GP Bikes used to, dunno if they still do) and that can be worth peace of mind, especially for any non-Japanese bikes. For Japanese bikes, the odds that you would need the warranty for anything are near zero.

There is a real risk of things going sour just with the process of payment with a used bike - I've bought and sold many, but that doesn't mean it's not gonna happen to me someday. A dealership with an address, a building, and an OMVIC license adds accountability to that process.

At the end of my story though... there's dealers that've had bikes I wanted, and there's dealers that've had bikes at prices I was okay with. There's never been a dealer with a bike I wanted with a price I was okay with yet

 

[Jay Alexander]

I've found decent prices from certain dealers in the past - think less than 1% of what I've seen. If you have a relationship with someone at a dealer, and can get info on used bikes as they come in (before even being listed), you could possibly score a decent deal.

Otherwise I agree with @TwistedKestrel above - it's easier for me to find a better deal on a Japanese bike I know will most likely have no issues if I go private.

 

[xrljoel]

I'm In the market for a cruiser style motorcycle, and because of that I've been innundated with sponsored ads mainly from various used dealers near me. Their pricing isn't really competitive to the used market - especially after taxes (). I understand their bikes come safetied and all the background work to sus out sketchy bikes is already done, and i haven't messaged any of them yet but i'd be willing to bet they don't negotiate over messages they'll only do it in person.

I feel like the only time i'd go to a dealership for a bike it'd have to be a brand new bike with a warranty etc.

But what are your experiences buying used from a dealer? Is it worth it or should i just stick to private sale?

I don't think there's any reason not to buy from a dealer. As long as you have enough knowledge about what you're looking for and what the market says it should cost then I wouldn't hesitate to look there. I've seen good deals.

Yeah the taxes need to be paid either way, it's just that when you're doing the declaring yourself we can lie about what we paid and save some money.

 

[GreyGhost]

and all the background work to sus out sketchy bikes is already done

I disagree with this statement. They are in it to make money. While you don't need to worry about liens or titles, I fully expect eggs in the coolant, old oil, etc as they do the minimum possible to safety and get it out the door.

 

[Jampy00]

I disagree with this statement. They are in it to make money. While you don't need to worry about liens or titles, I fully expect eggs in the coolant, old oil, etc as they do the minimum possible to safety and get it out the door.

Above statement is correct but could differ from dealership to dealership. I have bought all but one of my motorcycles from dealerships and have never had any issues, just get everything in writing (as I am sure you would) if you see something you like, work towards a price point you're comfortable with if they can't do it, walk... Dealerships are in business to sell not to store...

 

[GreyGhost]

Above statement is correct but could differ from dealership to dealership. I have bought all but one of my motorcycles from dealerships and have never had any issues, just get everything in writing (as I am sure you would) if you see something you like, work towards a price point you're comfortable with if they can't do it, walk... Dealerships are in business to sell not to store...

Yes, it is possible for a dealership to be reputable and care. That requires far more research and collection of personal accounts from trusted sources to confirm. I don't trust a random dealer more than I trust a random private seller. In fact I may have less trust as they have practiced their craft and know how best to maximize profit and convince buyers that this is the right choice.

 

[Jampy00]

Yes, it is possible for a dealership to be reputable and care. That requires far more research and collection of personal accounts from trusted sources to confirm. I don't trust a random dealer more than I trust a random private seller. In fact I may have less trust as they have practiced their craft and know how best to maximize profit and convince buyers that this is the right choice.

Agreed. Like any large purchase. Buyer beware and be-aware...

 

[Jay Alexander]

I disagree with this statement. They are in it to make money. While you don't need to worry about liens or titles, I fully expect eggs in the coolant, old oil, etc as they do the minimum possible to safety and get it out the door.

Agreed. The only real value you know is there's a safety done.

 

[GreyGhost]

Agreed. The only real value you know is there's a safety done.

Maybe. You have a safety certificate. Since it wasn't done arms length, I still don't trust it. There is a lot more profit if you have a mechanic that is willing to risk their license to overlook issues.

 

[mimico_polak]

I wonder if I can use my Scrambler as a second trade in if the GTI every gets tired...

 

[GreyGhost]

I wonder if I can use my Scrambler as a second trade in if the GTI every gets tired...

Trading in a bike to a car dealer is possible but expect no lube. That's not their market, they probably need to send it to auction and they don't have a solid pricing history so they will aim low.

 

[adri]

Had a customer buy a used Ducati Monster from a very big, very reputable dealer. It was his second bike. He told me he bought used from the dealer this time specifically because he assumed they knew what they were doing. It made him feel safe, like a compromise between not buying new, but not buying from a total stranger either.

The dealer had to replace the rear tire for safety... and forgot to snug up the axle nut all the way. This guy somehow made it 20+ minutes on the highway between everything going sideways (literally) and his chain coming off ON HIS OFF RAMP. He got so lucky. One more exit and it could have been so much worse.

I know, the same dealer could as just have easily made the same mistake had someone brought their used bike purchase in for a tire change and a safety, fair enough, so one more story.

I had another customer who had pick up a used Honda Shadow. He bought a Honda from a dealer for the same reason, he figured, Honda reliability, dealership used bike fine tooth comb inspection right?

This guy's brake fluid was way dark, and his levers felt like ****.

Stuff like that bothers me because a) it's people's safety at risk and
b) I'm not a very technical person. If you've seen my content you know my wrenching skills are like a fart in the wind compared to your average professional motorcycle technician working at a shop charging $120/hr for his time. This **** shouldn't be plainly obvious to an uncoordinated wrench spinner like me.

Then again, I've had plenty of customers who have bought used motorcycles from dealers that were absolutely flawless to my eyes... I've also seen Studio Cycle (the one shop of the three in this post I will actually name) do some downright crazy stupid one week only pricing to blow out a few bikes to make some space for new bikes coming in... So... I guess the moral of the story is assume absolutely nothing.

 

[MacDoc]

Two Wheel in Guelph had exactly what I wanted in a Vstrom with big panniers for cross country trip with the kid in 2015.
Asked if I could take it for the afternoon....sure no problem...the previous owner must have been my height as fit like a glove - 1/2 hour ride - turned around and bought with a credit card ( that was a first ).

The Jessie panniers were $3k new, had barkbusters, throttle lock, 3rd party screen and not a scratch.
$6k out the door. Took it across Canada with the kid. Came back - sold it and missed it...
Bought another - one of my better finds for $3k all in saftied with factory panniers and VERY well maintained by English mechanical engineer angsting for a Busa.


Sold it for $3k with 20,000 additional km ( 120,000km )..liked the look of that Strom. ( Yeah yeah panniers are on backward)

Dealer needs to make money - I only ever bought one brand new machine - the CB500X that I took xCanada on my own in 2019.
First time Honda had a discount on the popular model - saved $500 - and it did the job. I was 72 at the time and figured it was now or never. Was doing 7-800 km a day for 5 days - mind you mindless riding on the TC- now 5 years later cannot do more that 2-300.....getting old sucks.
Milton Honda got my business as they rescued my CBF1000 after a stator failure....did not charge me for the rescue tow and replaced the stator under warranty on a 7 year old bike.

From my limited experience - can't complain about dealers.
Brampton Honda gave my kid deal of the century...truckload sale ...brand new FZ8 for $6999...basically 1/2 price as the triples were being introduced.

Forum Sponsor