Advice for Bargaining

[RobertC]

I just signed up to the forum and am glad to see so many riders that are passionate about their rides. I don't have a road bike right now, but as I explain below, am in need of some advice from those who have already went though the experience.

I was/am looking to buy a G2 VMax and last fall came across a new 2011 still in the showroom for $18500. My wife wanted me to wait until the spring even though it was a really good deal, and someone else bought it. :bang head:

So as soon as the snow breaks I'm off to buy a new 2013. Thing is I have noticed that every dealer in eastern Ontario sells VMax's for $22,999. 2011, 2012 or 2013 it seems the price never changes. I made an offer on a new 2012 at PowerSports in Ottawa last year and the guy laughed at me (I offered $21000).

As I have never bought a new bike before, I guess what I am asking is what bargaining power do I have? I would assume there is a reasonable markup for the dealer, but if I walk in with cash what offer can I make?

Failing that, if I give them the $23k, can I ask that they throw in a new jacket and a good in-helmet intercom?

I'd like to hear what other riders experiences are.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Robert

 

[44boyd]

I've bought 2 bikes brand new in my life, 1 I got a deal on because it was a previous years model. The 2nd was out the door at MSRP for the current year. It's all about timing, the amount they have on hand, popularity of the model etc...Don't know your money situation, but unless you were dead set on purple/brand new I'd look for a used/low miles with mods I would want done to it already for probably a couple grand cheaper. And winter is definately better time to buy used, prices usually go up once riding weather comes around. JMO, good luck.

 

[dtoebaert-5311]

My wife wanted me to wait until the spring even though it was a really good deal, and someone else bought it. :bang head:

Waiting until spring to buy a new bike is like waiting until december 24 to buy a Xmas tree

 

[one2dmax]

Not sure what kind of deal I can get you (we sell new bikes too). BUT, the shipping or just plain travel to pick it up might hurt the overall price a bunch.

Sean

 

[Thevmaxrider]

Not sure what kind of deal I can get you (we sell new bikes too). BUT, the shipping or just plain travel to pick it up might hurt the overall price a bunch.

Sean

Not to mention the import duties and taxes!

 

[PATMAX]

To me it's a fool who buys a new bike and say in the same breath they want a deal.
If you got the cash, patronize a dealer. BUT, if you would like to save money, there are plenty of bikes out there with very few miles, are outfitted with some very desireable mods or upgrades and still have the peace of mind associated with factory warranty. Some ate five years on Vmaxes.
So ask yourself dude, Is money no object? Am I smart enough to inspect a bike for signs of abuse or trouble, will I sleep better with an extended warranty?
I've already seen a handful or Gen 2 bikes that were laid out with aftermarket goodies for a few thousand less than new!
You decide. Additionally, why are bikes so high in Canada? Seems like one could buy one stateside and save thousands.

 

[twistedmax]

Make a reasonable offer and don't be affraid to walk out the door to the next dealer,or just pay the price:ummm:. if your not dead set on BRAND NEW, Patmax is right , find a used on with some mods already done. I bought my Gen II new leftover and got a good price BUT I bought it from my son :clapping:

 

[veebooster]

You will pay MSRP on a new one in Ontario. (which is much higher than US)
You may save a thousand or two for a new off year but that's all you'll get.
The best I've seen used is $17000 for a 2010 with 5000 km.

Dale #2592

 

[ouchez]

You will get more respect if you push for a better deal, try anything and everything, like throwing in a 5 year warranty, first service free, etc.

Ever watch Pawn Stars or Hard Core Pawn, you can learn a thing or two on negotiation.

Of course in Canada you have a load of taxes but "free" health care for it, that health care in the US would cost you at least $5000 a year out of pocket.

O

 

[RobertC]

To me it's a fool who buys a new bike and say in the same breath they want a deal.
If you got the cash, patronize a dealer. BUT, if you would like to save money, there are plenty of bikes out there with very few miles, are outfitted with some very desireable mods or upgrades and still have the peace of mind associated with factory warranty. Some ate five years on Vmaxes.
So ask yourself dude, Is money no object? Am I smart enough to inspect a bike for signs of abuse or trouble, will I sleep better with an extended warranty?
I've already seen a handful or Gen 2 bikes that were laid out with aftermarket goodies for a few thousand less than new!
You decide. Additionally, why are bikes so high in Canada? Seems like one could buy one stateside and save thousands.

Oh, I'd love to find a "gently" used 2009 or better, but either it's modded to the "Max" or just too far away for it to be a real savings.

I've never been too fond of modded bikes, mostly because the mod usually is very owner specific.

As for the unreasonably high prices here, it's a real scam. I have a friend who lives in Winnipeg and found out that Bombardier snowmobiles were being sold in Minnesota for up to $6k less than they were in Canada. When he went to Grand Forks to buy one he was told that they were unable to sell to Canadians and that they could lose their franchise. Anyways, long live socialism...

I only say I want to buy new and negotiate because pretty well every time I have bought a new car, there is room to breath. Either I could get a $1000 or so off, or $2000 in goodies. As for the *New* part, I'm not the 30-year old that wants to tinker with my bike into the wee hours of the morning anymore. I want to buy great engineering, have it run predictably, and keep it forever.

I appreciate the responses you have all provided. I'll keep watching the forums to see if anyone in my area is letting go of their VMx, just in case. :wink2:

Thanks


Rob

 

[MtnMax/Magniac]

Of course in Canada you have a load of taxes but "free" health care for it,

O

"Free" health care, eh? Really not so free, what do you think a good portion of those taxes go to pay for?

 

[ouchez]

"Free" health care, eh? Really not so free, what do you think a good portion of those taxes go to pay for?

In CA. you are also taxed to death, but do you have "free" health care???:ummm:

O

 

[Buster Hymen]

We never get good bike deals here in Canada, and as others have mentioned, I've never seen a discounted Gen 2 from the dealer. Do as others I know have done and shop around in the States for your Gen 2. The base price is lower there, the dealerships are more open to offers, our dollar is around par and even factoring in the import cost, taxes etc, it is still cheaper than buying it here. The only issue is warranty items. But if you buy just over the border, it wouldn't be a long ride.