New bike: How to get a good deal. Post up your tips and experiences

[vifferman]

Have a plan.

Good advice there, Mr Oscar.
That doesn't work when you aren't intending to buy a bike but get your arm twisted by your wife and the salesman.

Although my buying experience was a secondhand bike (I've never had a new vehicle), the principles are almost the same.

My first mistake was not sticking to my guns: I wanted time to consider things, a "cool down period" if you will. Instead, I signed up then and there.
Secondly, I knew what I wanted as a trade, but was too... afraid? Bashful? Unsure of myself? to say what it was.
Thirdly, once the salesman knew my wife was on his side, and I was on the back foot, negotiating 'extras' was a waste of time.
Forthly, I should have made sure that it was agreed that any problems/faults I found in the first week would be rectified.

Occasionally it pays to grab a deal on the spot in case you miss out on a genuine bargain, but generally it's best to take your time. A principle that's stood me in good stead is that you're in a real position of weakness if you really want to buy something. If you're prepared to walk away if the price and conditions aren't right, then that gives you the luxury of thinking clearly and dispassionately about the deal.

[AllanB]

Re 'cash' - a bank cheque is fine - basically as long as the dealer is getting the full amount in one go it's considered cash. Note a trade-in is not considered as part of 'cash'.

If you are trading (as most are) often the better trade deal will get the sale.

When I was after a new Hornet 900 three months ago the local dealer offered me a fairly average trade price on my ride (the local Suzuki dealer had offered considerably more, but did not have anything I wanted in my budget).

I contacted Honda Otago in Dunedin (I live in CHCH) who I had purchased the trade bike from originally and they did me a very good deal on a brand new 06 model Hornet (Identical to the 07 model) and a realistic trade price. Delivered for free as well! That's my second bike from them now and I live 5 hours away.

So if you are trading you have less to bargain with - if you get offered a very good trade price, that's probably the extent of the bargaining (might get some on-road if you are lucky).

Real 'cash' (no trade) should result in the dealer dropping their trou and passing you the vaseline ie a good discount or free riding gear or similar.

Interesting to note (as far as I am aware) that there is not a dealer offering 'free' 12 -24 month servicing with a new bike. I got a free first service (pay for parts only) from Honda NZ, but I am not aware of any further offering. If you own a shop and are reading this is a viable extra on a new bike - free labour on servicing for X period.

[The Stranger:Me]

Triumph Street Triple



Do they do Triumphs?



Do you do Triumphs?

Sorry, I thought you wanted a good deal, but now you say you will settle for a Triumph.

[El Dopa]

Sorry, I thought you wanted a good deal, but now you say you will settle for a Triumph.

Droll. Very droll.

But....I didn't actually say I wanted 'a good deal'. What I said was:

What can I realistically expect as a bargain or a discount from a bike dealer....what sort of trade-in deal can I get...what is realistic to ask for (discounts, extras, etc), and what isn't.

So nyah.

[Cache Wraith]

Ring 0275MRPOOS, ask about a lease option

Anyone actually lease their bike, other than when able to write it off as a business expense?

[rwh]

Cash opens many doors. So pay cash if you can.

Hmm. I'm sure I heard a story at one point that a significant amount of money was made from kickbacks from finance companies, and that therefore the shops preferred you to do that than pay cash?

Actually, I can't even remember if that was in relation to bikes ...

Richard

[Tank]

Since you are looking for a Triumph - I can recommend Jamie at Holshot in Takapuna. I got a really good discount on my bike. Service is tops - and they have a Triumph demo there.

[The Stranger:Me]

But....I didn't actually say I wanted 'a good deal'. What I said was:



So nyah.

My apologies, I assumed it was you who selected your thread title.

[El Dopa]

My apologies, I assumed it was you who selected your thread title.

Arse.

Thankyou for the salutory lesson. I shall choose my words more carefully next time. I'll give your guys a call if the Striple turns out to be a dog.

[avgas]

i rank everything on a personal need/want basis.
The FZS is the only bike i have paid every dollar the sellar was asking. But that was becuase after riding it....i had to have it (and it was cheap anywho).
Haggling is pointless, put your offer in, ranked on how much want it. If that offer is turned down - walk. If the seller comes back to with something close enough to accept go for it. If you barely want it - stand at your offer.

[smoky]

From someone who's never bought a new bike in his life - and most likely never will, but purchased a few low k bikes from dealers, and more than a few cars, here's my advise;

Test ride a few bikes until you know exactly what you want
Read the advertising, study prices on line, including second hand stuff with low k’s
Be educated on the bike you want and the alternative options
Then go look for it, shop like you’re going to do it ‘one day’ but not necessarily today.

You’ll know when someone offers you a bargain