Topic: Why are used bike prices so high at dealers (Read 3763 times)

strangebird · « **on:** April 10, 2009, 01:20:04 PM »

With the economy in the tank I have to wonder why the dealers still do not want to negotiate and want full price, especially on used bikes.More than one, three to be exact, told me that they were having the best 1st qtr in 2009 even better than their best qtr in 2006, I doubt that, I think they are all sucking wind right now just like everyone else and have not figured it out or just plain greedy, one had a new 2008 FLHTCUSE3 that had been there since last summer and they would not even tell me the price they would sell it for until I filled out a contract to buy, I am the guy they are looking for, age and income wise but they treat you like you just got out of jail, and are a low life.

ice6900 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2009, 01:29:56 PM »

i dont understand that either, surely the dealers have a lil bargaining $$$ they can deal with if they want 2.
next month might give more bargaining power as the 2010bikes will be nearing the sales floors.

$$$ can be saved with big discounts from the new 09spring clothing collections.

gg · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2009, 03:49:13 PM »

My experience was that my dealer, back in November 2008, offered me what I think was a pretty darn good trade value ($20K) for my 05 SEEG with 13K miles w/ Rineharts, power commander III, some added chrome and in very good condition on an 09 FLHTCUSE4. Bikes similar to mine, if they were selling at all back in November, were going for about $18K if they sold. I paid MSRP for the new bike and the dealer now is asking $21,999 for my old bike. He's had it on his sale floor since February trying to cover his cost on the trade in value. Some dealers are not real motivated to deal and they are either stupid or have a lot of experience with the market and willing to hang tough on their pricing. Good luck.

mrmagloo · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2009, 04:23:37 PM »

My local dealer said that sales suddenly turned brisk too, so we'll see how long that lasts now the the weather is trying to break.

bogman · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2009, 05:02:53 PM »

Cause they want to screw you, hold tight, prices over here have fallen dramatically, there's a recession & its a buyers market

mrmagloo · « **Reply #5 on:** April 22, 2009, 01:06:02 PM »

I'm not sure that a business profit motive necessarily equates to screwing folks? Harley's tend to hold their values well (except for the CVO's) so provided they are priced at what they can sell them for, certainly lower than a new one, what is inherently wrong with that? Do you think a dealership should be a charity?

Boatman · « **Reply #6 on:** April 22, 2009, 01:13:40 PM »

Quote from: strangebird on April 10, 2009, 01:20:04 PM

one had a new 2008 FLHTCUSE3 that had been there since last summer and they would not even tell me the price they would sell it for until I filled out a contract to buy,

Things like that from a dealer really tick me off. Good dealers out there but I think more bad ones.

Funny thing when a car, truck, boat, or cycle dealer wants to sell you something-it is worth gold. When you trade it in, worth nothing.

go4broke · « **Reply #7 on:** April 23, 2009, 01:53:13 PM »

I would think what keeps the used bikes so high in price is that the new bikes are still selling at MSRP or better ...not sure but it would make since.

G4B

jettjocky · « **Reply #8 on:** April 23, 2009, 02:31:26 PM »

well in my opinion it is because they have OVER HEAD, people to pay, & without profit they will not be there for some of you to bitch at all of the time, also my dealer offers a warranty on the the used bikes he sells. I have had nothing but good service from my dealer, and very much appreicate him being there for me.

arcticdude · « **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2009, 02:49:17 PM »

Strangebird,
you just need to try outside the ATL area. The dealers there are all more than a little weird. Over this way (OKC) the prices are posted on all the bikes on the floor, new or used. Had a friend that lived in the ATL area and moved to a Memphis suburb. He tells me the dealer is much better there.

Diamondback · « **Reply #10 on:** April 29, 2009, 02:50:53 PM »

One thing that is keeping the prices of used bikes high is HD decision to cut production substantially. Course they had not choice. My dealer sold my 07 SE Ultra for $2,000 more than I thought it was worth $31,000. Had 22,000 hard miles on it but what can I say they got their price. Plus they gave me $27000 n the trade. Again more than I expected.

HogBreath · « **Reply #11 on:** April 29, 2009, 03:11:56 PM »

One reason dealers get so much for the used bikes is BECAUSE THEY CAN.

Negotiating a deal is just that, negotiating. I'd venture to guess that if any of you guys could get $45,000 out of your used bike, you would. The whole world is a greedy bunch of pricks. It's been that way since time began.

SBB · « **Reply #12 on:** April 29, 2009, 03:49:03 PM »

Quote from: HogBreath on April 29, 2009, 03:11:56 PM

One reason dealers get so much for the used bikes is BECAUSE THEY CAN.

Negotiating a deal is just that, negotiating. I'd venture to guess that if any of you guys could get $45,000 out of your used bike, you would. The whole world is a greedy bunch of pricks. It's been that way since time began.

OK

With that said

I'll give you $12,500.00 for that used Vrod you hold so dear.

HogBreath · « **Reply #13 on:** April 29, 2009, 03:50:15 PM »

Quote from: SBB on April 29, 2009, 03:49:03 PM

OK

With that said

I'll give you $12,500.00 for that used Vrod you hold so dear.

No way...I'm a greedy SOB just like the rest of you pricks.

SBB · « **Reply #14 on:** April 29, 2009, 04:01:51 PM »

Quote from: HogBreath on April 29, 2009, 03:50:15 PM

No way...I'm a greedy SOB just like the rest of you pricks.

DAMN, was hoping you took a stupid pill this morning.

O well, maybe next time.

Ghost Rider · « **Reply #15 on:** April 29, 2009, 04:19:02 PM »

Quote from: HogBreath on April 29, 2009, 03:11:56 PM

One reason dealers get so much for the used bikes is BECAUSE THEY CAN.

Negotiating a deal is just that, negotiating. I'd venture to guess that if any of you guys could get $45,000 out of your used bike, you would. The whole world is a greedy bunch of pricks. It's been that way since time began.

I know one person who wouldn't, he's got way more than that invested. Dang, I can't remember his name...

hmmm...oh well I'll think of it later

HogBreath · « **Reply #16 on:** April 29, 2009, 04:34:10 PM »

It couldn't be anyone on this site..NOPE..Impossible.

SERK3 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 29, 2009, 05:21:13 PM »

Thunder Creek H-D in Chattanooga, TN has a 08 Dyna SE, 3400 miles asking 19,900, not much under list when new
Smokey Mtn. H-D in Maryville has a 07 SE Ultra Classic asking 31,900, just under list when new.

Wonder if i could get 28,500 out of my 07 SERK

There are crazy

Diamondback · « **Reply #18 on:** April 29, 2009, 06:00:06 PM »

Yes, and as long as people are willing to pay for these used bikes they will stay high.

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #19 on:** April 30, 2009, 08:38:27 AM »

Quote from: SERK3 on April 29, 2009, 05:21:13 PM

Thunder Creek H-D in Chattanooga, TN has a 08 Dyna SE, 3400 miles asking 19,900, not much under list when new
Smokey Mtn. H-D in Maryville has a 07 SE Ultra Classic asking 31,900, just under list when new.

Wonder if i could get 28,500 out of my 07 SERK

There are crazy

That bike was Higher than that a month ago. It's not a trade in, it is there on Consignment, and the sales staff told the owner it was over priced to move.

Texas 103 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 30, 2009, 06:18:24 PM »

Quote from: HogBreath on April 29, 2009, 03:11:56 PM

One reason dealers get so much for the used bikes is BECAUSE THEY CAN.

Negotiating a deal is just that, negotiating. I'd venture to guess that if any of you guys could get $45,000 out of your used bike, you would. The whole world is a greedy bunch of pricks. It's been that way since time began.

New NADA Book Effective May 1, Looks like most everything went DOWN 1500-2500

Diamondback · « **Reply #21 on:** April 30, 2009, 06:31:20 PM »

Glad I got rid of mine two months ago.

woode · « **Reply #22 on:** April 30, 2009, 07:38:16 PM »

Quote from: strangebird on April 10, 2009, 01:20:04 PM

they would not even tell me the price they would sell it for until I filled out a contract to buy, I am the guy they are looking for, age and income wise but they treat you like you just got out of jail, and are a low life.

Sounds like you should find yourself another dealer. There are enough decent dealers around, so no reason to waste your time & money with someone with that kind of attitude. Of course, I could be spoiled... My dealership feels more like family than a cold hearted business. They have to make their profit, but they do everything fairly and up front.

Also, I'm not sure that it's a bad thing that used bike prices are high, as that is an indication that they hold their value well - unless of course you are being lowballed on trade-in, AND they are selling used bikes at a premium.

I like buying new, and I can't imagine the logic of someone paying a near new price for a used bike, but to each his own. Maybe the $1000 or so difference between a used '08 and a new '09 is a significant selling point for some, but in my mind it is sheer lunacy.

Ed

Diamondback · « **Reply #23 on:** April 30, 2009, 08:04:11 PM »

With the reduction in production, it is probably a good thing prices (actual) are staying up. Trade in values are down because the dealers are making up for lost profit opportunities. Example: my dealer used to include the 1000 mile checkup in the sale price. Figured no one wouldn't buy a new bike for a future $400 bill for the 1000 mile checkup and no longer includes it.

The sales price on the used bikes in the Texas Hill country are still up.

Author Topic: Why are used bike prices so high at dealers (Read 3763 times)