Buying a used bike

EazyDuz · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2011 Karma :

So im pretty good at selling bikes, from the two I've owned, they both sold for more than I paid for them. Buying however I'm not so great at.
My last bike was only £800 so I wasn't too bothered about it's service history. I just checked its past MOT's and made sure it ran OK when I viewed it.
But I want a more expensive bike now, between £2000-£3000 so I have a couppe of questions.

1. Is a lack of service history a problem? Particularly on bikes that have done 20,000+. When I got my last one I did an oil change and set the valves soon after I got it anyway. It was also low on brake fluid and little things like that. But if there is no history and you just listen to the bike/quick test ride, would that generally suffice?

2. If buying from a dealer, can you still haggle with them in the same way you would with a private seller or are they more strict? I usually find when I'm looking at bikes, dealer prices are often at least £200 more, which implies you're getting the same bike you could get privately but paying more just because its a dealer. I've noticed some don't even mention a free warranty so what are the benefits of buying from a dealer then?

This is probably the worst time of year to buy and the best time to sell, probably explains the good price I got for the bike I just sold, but I don't want to be bikeless this summer so I'm assuming I'll have to pay more anyway.

Thanks
____________________
To shreds you say? Tss tss tss

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

What type of bike are you looking for?

20k isn't really high mileage, especially if its 5/6 years old, thats less than average mileage for sure.

........................ · Spanner Monkey Joined: 15 Jan 2014 Karma :

One thing I take into account when buying is as well as assessing the bike, assess the seller. Is their house well kept, their garden etc? I know it may not have a direct impact on the condition of the bike but I think it goes someway to be an indication of how well they generally look after things.

Ask them lots of questions, a genuine seller will have nothing to hide and will be able to answer them.

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

EazyDuz · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2011 Karma :

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Last time I wanted a bike, I went to a trusted mechanic and asked him to help me. I told him what I wanted, and he 'found' my Kwak Versys in Gravestone for £50.

The bike was delivered to him, stored there until I got back from holiday and the mechanic gave it the once over to ensure it was road worthy before I collected.

When anyone sees my bike, they agree I got a good one. Thumbs Up

____________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Still not feeling a more upright bike?

I'd probably aim for one of those around September when people start to plonk them away to keep them tidy.

EazyDuz · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2011 Karma :

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Link to dealer, by PM if you don't wanna out it Laughing

Might be a "we just sold it" ad to rope you in.

dydey90 · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Oct 2013 Karma :

EazyDuz · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2011 Karma :

I don't mind waiting a while, one or two come up daily on eBay and scumtree. Better to take my time than rush and buy one off some potato that's never done an oil change. Some dealer prices are quite laughable though
____________________
To shreds you say? Tss tss tss

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Commuter_Tim · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 May 2013 Karma :