curious but cautious

[Questions]

Hello, SpyderLovers!

I'm a college student who is interested in a Spyder (might as well get one while I'm young, eh?) and I have a few questions.

The spyder that I'm thinking of purchasing is an 08 SM5 model that has been sitting in someone's garage for a long time. It was delivered by the dealer and then never driven. Ever. Apparently it literally has one mile on it. The guy is selling it for 16,000 (i'm guessing it's just what he paid for it) but he is taking offers. I'm definitely not paying 16,000 for it, that's for sure!

Now I keep seeing all these posts about steering problems and what not... and I'm admittedly getting a bit nervous. But I've also noticed that the problem has been beaten to death, so I'll just keep reading other people's stories.

Now -- what would you pay for a spyder in this condition? If I do get it -- what are the things I need to do immediately? Update the internal computers?

What are some things that I should check for when I go and look at the bike? I'm familiar with motorcycles in general (I had a Yamaha TMAX for the past year which I absolutely LOVED -- but I sold it after receiving an absolutely insane offer from a man who was relocated to the USA from the UK) so I know the basics, but there's always a few little quirks that are unique to each bike (trike? what do you call it?).

Sorry about the rambling nature of this post, but it's late and I'm becoming delusional.

 

[PCBeachBum]

Hello, SpyderLovers!

I'm a college student who is interested in a Spyder (might as well get one while I'm young, eh?) and I have a few questions.

The spyder that I'm thinking of purchasing is an 08 SM5 model that has been sitting in someone's garage for a long time. It was delivered by the dealer and then never driven. Ever. Apparently it literally has one mile on it. The guy is selling it for 16,000 (i'm guessing it's just what he paid for it) but he is taking offers. I'm definitely not paying 16,000 for it, that's for sure!

Now I keep seeing all these posts about steering problems and what not... and I'm admittedly getting a bit nervous. But I've also noticed that the problem has been beaten to death, so I'll just keep reading other people's stories.

Now -- what would you pay for a spyder in this condition? If I do get it -- what are the things I need to do immediately? Update the internal computers?

What are some things that I should check for when I go and look at the bike? I'm familiar with motorcycles in general (I had a Yamaha TMAX for the past year which I absolutely LOVED -- but I sold it after receiving an absolutely insane offer from a man who was relocated to the USA from the UK) so I know the basics, but there's always a few little quirks that are unique to each bike (trike? what do you call it?).

Sorry about the rambling nature of this post, but it's late and I'm becoming delusional.

I would check with a Spyder dealer and find out what the blue book value of an 08 SM5 is worth. I bought an 08 SM5 in March of this year, that was used as a demo. It had 260 miles on it and sold for less than $16,000. There was a yellow 08 SM5 next to it that had no miles on it and that one also sold for less than $16,000 and was $400.00 more than I paid for mine.

You also have to find out if you can transfere the warranty into your name and what that will cost. Also if it has just been sitting for two years, all the fluids would need to be changed.

As for the steering issue, not all owner's had a problem. I know of many on this site that didn't and those that did have a problem, it has been or is being taken care of. That's where the warranty really comes in handy.

For me it would be a headache I don't need and with the 2010 models coming out, I would check with a dealer first, to see if he has any 09 models left. If I were going to spend $16,000 or less, I'd rather spend it on an 09 model, than an 08 and have a 3 year warranty, instead of 1 year.

By the way we are all young here. I've been 19 for the past 40 years.:roflblack:

 

[kromc5]

I would not consider it at unless they came down to under 13k. If you take your time you can get an 09 for 13k to 14k off the dealer floor.

 

[boborgera]

1600 :yikes::yikes:
There are a lot of 08/09 new with full 3 year warranty in dealers showrooms. That should tell you a lot about price's.
With new you just get on them and ride, Used you will have to do a few things first. [oil/filter change ,make sure recall was done],
And sometimes motor vehicle and the old owner's paper work don't alway's fully match. Remember the so called up date is NOT an up date it's a RECALL""". Good hunting and welcome

 

[NancysToy]

I would not consider it at unless they came down to under 13k. If you take your time you can get an 09 for 13k to 14k off the dealer floor.

1600 :yikes::yikes:
There are a lot of 08/09 new with full 3 year warranty in dealers showrooms. That should tell you a lot about price's.
With new you just get on them and ride, Used you will have to do a few things first. [oil/filter change ,make sure recall was done],
And sometimes motor vehicle and the old owner's paper work don't alway's fully match. Remember the so called up date is NOT an up date it's a RECALL""". Good hunting and welcome

I agree that the price is going to need to be below $13K to be worth considering. I would say well below, given the need for some TLC for a bike in long, and maybe not so careful, storage. I would never go beyond $12,000, and would shoot for $10K or less, but I'm no expert. There are good reasons to lowball the price.

You have some things to do, and more to consider. If you buy, change the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and clutch fluid (if any) immediately, in case any contaminants or moisture have collected. This should be done by the dealer, since hooking to BUDS is necessary for the brake flush. If possible, trailer the Spyder to the dealer without running the engine. After this, you will still need to do the 600 mile service. Again, I recommend a dealer, so the Spyder can be given a thorough inspection, given the circumstances. The dealer can also perform the recall update and any additional software changes. I'd also recommend the suspension gets greased at this point, in case the grease broke down over time. Finally, the warranty on this machine is either expired, or is nearing expiration, unless the extended warranty was purchased. If problems develop, they will be out of your own pocket. This needs to be taken into account on the price. Steering failure would cost a very pretty penny. If the warranty is still in effect, consider transferring it immediately, then purchasing the extended warranty while you can.

 

[fastfraser]

welcome 12-13,000 tops already lost a year of warranty.

 

[jabba11]

Also check the thread here for people WITHOUT problems youll be surprised that MOST owners have few problems and those that they do have are minor. There is clearly an issue with the DPS that is being ivestigated (we assume) by BRP, but not everyone has this issue.

 

[tatt2r]

THANKS GUYS....i was the one selling it ......:joke::joke::joke:

 

[Questions]

Wow, you all are great at quick responses! Thanks so much!

Just as an FYI -- after crunching some numbers, I decided that $11,500 was a fair price IF the bike was actually ready to ride -- that is, if the guy had purchased it fairly recently and I was able to ride it straight to the dealer. This also assumes that there is a lot of the warranty left.

Quite honestly, I hadn't even considered the fact that it could have been sitting in his garage collecting dust for the past two years. Nancystoys -- thanks so much for your concise review of what needs to be done. If I do get this bike then I'm literally going to to print out your post and hand it to the dealer and say, "do this!" If the bike has really been dormant since 2008 then I think I will push for an even lower price. Somewhere in the ballpark of $9,000-$10,000....

This may honestly be more hassle than its worth... I guess I'll have to wait for this guy's response to all of my questions!

 

[Roaddog2]

THANKS GUYS....i was the one selling it ......:joke::joke::joke:

1 Mile my butt Tatt2r :thumbup:

 

[Roaddog2]

I would not consider it at unless they came down to under 13k. If you take your time you can get an 09 for 13k to 14k off the dealer floor.

:agree:alot of dealers are dealing with there 09 plus a good warranty :ani29:

 

[Dragonrider]

Please don't forget the throttle bodies. If it's really been sitting w/o Stabl in the fuel, there's going to be some serious gunk in the TBs... also DUMP THE FUEL - there will be too much water in it. If you can't dump it add Stabl at 1.5 normal - this will absorb most of the water before you ride it. (tire pressure?? check it too)

I bought my '09 new with the wheel upgrade and 5 yr warranty for $14K new & the KBB trade value for the '08 is $10,050, add $500 for the miles, and you are there. Just my $0.02

 

[Tom in NM]

they are not just for kids anymore . . . .

I agree that the price is going to need to be below $13K to be worth considering. I would say well below, given the need for some TLC for a bike in long, and maybe not so careful, storage. I would never go beyond $12,000, and would shoot for $10K or less, but I'm no expert. There are good reasons to lowball the price.

. . . . . and what you need to do . . . .

:agree: 1000%

You don't mention any modifications that the Spyder might have or color, but I would not let those influence the $10K price Scotty recommended.

Tom

 

[Sarge707]

Hello, SpyderLovers!

I'm a college student who is interested in a Spyder (might as well get one while I'm young, eh?) and I have a few questions.

The spyder that I'm thinking of purchasing is an 08 SM5 model that has been sitting in someone's garage for a long time. It was delivered by the dealer and then never driven. Ever. Apparently it literally has one mile on it. The guy is selling it for 16,000 (i'm guessing it's just what he paid for it) but he is taking offers. I'm definitely not paying 16,000 for it, that's for sure!

Now I keep seeing all these posts about steering problems and what not... and I'm admittedly getting a bit nervous. But I've also noticed that the problem has been beaten to death, so I'll just keep reading other people's stories.

Now -- what would you pay for a spyder in this condition? If I do get it -- what are the things I need to do immediately? Update the internal computers?

What are some things that I should check for when I go and look at the bike? I'm familiar with motorcycles in general (I had a Yamaha TMAX for the past year which I absolutely LOVED -- but I sold it after receiving an absolutely insane offer from a man who was relocated to the USA from the UK) so I know the basics, but there's always a few little quirks that are unique to each bike (trike? what do you call it?).

Sorry about the rambling nature of this post, but it's late and I'm becoming delusional.

KBB Retail= $13,700
KBB Trade In= $10,050
I,d see what you could do at a dealer for a Leftover 09!!!
It cold out and You would be SURPRIZED at the deal you could get right now!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Firefly]

Great advice by one and all---- he's nuts trying to get anything over 12K for it.

 

[Questions]

Thanks, everyone! I'm currently located in Charlottesville, VA where the dealer won't budge from the MSRP. I'm heading back to Richmond for the winter holidays and I've found three CanAm dealers in that area. I'm betting that those dealers will be willing to lower their prices way down because Richmond got hit by the economy much more drastically than Charlottesville (economy is protected by university of virginia)...


I'm going to go check out the spyders in Richmond after final exams.

So -- here's the real question: if I do buy a spyder from a dealer and I get the $1,000 credit for any accessories... what should I get? What is the single most useful / coolest accessory you've added (price around or below $1,000)?

edit: is the credit now $1,500? I just checked can-am's website and it's stating "up to $1,500 in parts and accessories"

 

[M2Wild]

1 Mile my butt Tatt2r :thumbup:

He might of rode the bike so much that the counter zeroed out (aka a million miles).

 

[Studybaker Bob]

2008 SM5 for sale

First off, go to his dealer, your dealer, any dealer & make sure you could buy the extended warranty in your name, $1000 +, because you may need it. I would offer $10,000 and negotiate from there. Check with your local dealers and see what they would give you.

 

[Arachnid]

I say by one from a dealer. If you are on the east cost there should be plenty to pic from. It will be brand new and probably less than 16,000 grand.

My 2 ¢
Mike

 

[Questions]

well.... the guy emailed me back and said that he wouldn't go below $13,500.

"Thanks but no thanks!"

We'll see how long he stays at that price....