What to look for when buying a used Spyder (2012)?

[Jenfz09]

I found a 2012 RT audio and convenience package Spyder with under 1k miles locally for a very fair price. I'm wondering what I should look for? We are going there tomorrow and if it checks out, I would like to buy it. We were going to get a leftover 2015 from imotorsports, but the 2012 is much more within our budget.

Thanks!

 

[Brentc]

Whereabouts in Ny?

If your mechanically inclined then I'd say look for all the typical signs of proper maintenance and care. Is it clean, inside and out, are there loose pieces, parts, etc. look in hard to get at places and see what they look like. With only 1000 miles it should be spotless and in excellent shape. As for the internal mechanical things, you might be able to arrange to stop by a dealer in the area and for an hour of shop time, have them look at it?

Good luck, hope ypu join the spyder family soon!

 

[eaglemrpaul]

I like my 2012

I own a 2012 Limited that I purchased in the spring of 2013. I have just short of 20,000 trouble free miles on it in three riding season. With less than 1K miles on the machine your looking at I can't imagine anything mechanically wrong with it internally that a test drive wouldn't show. I would defiantly take an air pressure gauge with me and specifically check the front tires. I run mine at 15 lbs up front. If the tire pressure is significantly off from left to right you won't like the handling so check it. The 2012s came with driver foot pegs. Over long rides the lack of foot positions was effecting my back. I replaced the pegs with Rivco foot pads. I couldn't believe how much more comfortable the ride became.

 

[Jenfz09]

Okay. We'll check the pressure. At 900 miles, I can't imagine what could be wrong with it. I'm getting a little too excited. I'll know tomorrow. There's the Spyder meetup right by our house in PA, in New Holland. I'd love to be able to go!

 

[Chupaca]

The nearest gas station....

Test ryde it , have the dealer check, with the vin#, that all computer updates, recalls, bulletins are up to date. The visual and your good to go. I think 2012 was one of the better years I have a 2012 RS with 33,000 miles not a problem. Have fun and a safe ryde home...:roflblack:

 

[R FUN]

I own a 2012RTL and have about 33,000 trouble free miles. One thing to check is abnormal front tire wear. When riding does it have a vibration at front end or pull to one side etc. This can easily be corrected with a LAZER alignment, nearly all them needed it and would be worth having checked. They are a great ride.
Roger

 

[ARtraveler]

R Fun and Chupaca have you covered pretty good. Any Can Am dealer can plug the machine in and run a history. You can do the same by entering the Vin # into the BRP web page place.

The 2012's considered the best of the 998 RT's. I have a 2011 A & C and we have almost 25,000 trouble free miles.

At 1000 miles, it should be pretty pristine. Would recommend an oil change/filter for sure, since it has been sitting around a long time. Battery may also be a bit suspect. The tires will also tell a story--either good or bad.

 

[bmccaffrey]

Agree with Gene

Test drive. Let dealer check out.
Would be a little concerned with miles for that year.But does happen
See if there is extended warranty which would help cover u for a bit if something happens

They are complicated piece of machinery and are NOT CHEAP to fix

Good luck

 

[Sarge707]

I would rather buy a 2012 with 10-15,000 Miles So you know its been run- The 1,000 Mile One may have sat rusting away inside for 4 Years? And You Don't know whats wrong with it till you buy it Because Only a Dealer would offer you a test ride-Not a personal sale.

 

[Jenfz09]

I would rather buy a 2012 with 10-15,000 Miles So you know its been run- The 1,000 Mile One may have sat rusting away inside for 4 Years? And You Don't know whats wrong with it till you buy it Because Only a Dealer would offer you a test ride-Not a personal sale.

I'm on my way to go test ride it, so we'll see what happens. At 10k, I have to start wondering if proper maintenance has happened. Thank you for the advice though.

 

[jtoro1]

Make sure it has an extended warranty these machines are very expensive to maintain

 

[kbwitt]

You did not list the price difference between the 12 and 15 but if you can get the 15 a lot better system. Different motor and transmission snd less to maintenance.
Kenn

 

[Brentc]

Well..........

I'm on my way to go test ride it, so we'll see what happens. At 10k, I have to start wondering if proper maintenance has happened. Thank you for the advice though.

opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:

 

[Jenfz09]

Test rode it.

It's different than the 1330 engine, but at half the price, it will be fine.

 

[Jheck]

Why is the owner meeting you at the train station and not his residence? With the Spyder? I'd be real careful on this one. But that's just me.

 

[Jenfz09]

Why is the owner meeting you at the train station and not his residence? With the Spyder? I'd be real careful on this one. But that's just me.

It's craigslist, I get it. The seller is an older Chinese gentleman. He was there with his wife of 30 years. They are completely not shady. He had no problem just telling me to take it and ride away.

I did ride on the back. Should there be a vibration through the passenger pegs? There was a bit, not as bad as a Harley or anything, but the 1330 didn't do that.

 

[pegasus1300]

It may have been a belt vibration. The V Twins are not like the 1330. I have a 2012 I bought with low miles from a guy whose health went south on him a year after buying it. I love it great ride. Be sure to read "Do's and Don't for new Spyder owners". BTW I was in the same boat you are, I had a 1330 taste and a V Twin wallet. I have not been sorry I didn't over extend myself for a new 1330 RT S. I got a low mileage well maintained Twin and I can afford to take trips and buy Farkles and that would have been a lot harder at the price of 1330s when I bought.

 

[Jenfz09]

It may have been a belt vibration. The V Twins are not like the 1330. I have a 2012 I bought with low miles from a guy whose health went south on him a year after buying it. I love it great ride. Be sure to read "Do's and Don't for new Spyder owners". BTW I was in the same boat you are, I had a 1330 taste and a V Twin wallet. I have not been sorry I didn't over extend myself for a new 1330 RT S. I got a low mileage well maintained Twin and I can afford to take trips and buy Farkles and that would have been a lot harder at the price of 1330s when I bought.

I used to have an XL1200 Sportster that could shake your teeth out of your head!

If we like the Spyder, we'll upgrade in a year or two when the 2014 model comes down in price. I can't see spending as much as a new car to get a 2015. I won't have to take a loan for the 2012.

 

[Bob Denman]

This is sounding like a "done-deal", so I'll say :congrats: :clap: :2thumbs:

 

[Jenfz09]

You did not list the price difference between the 12 and 15 but if you can get the 15 a lot better system. Different motor and transmission snd less to maintenance.
Kenn

The 2012 is 10k. A similar 2015 would be 20k+.

(Thanks, Bob!)