Leery of dealer

[jimjel]

I have been looking at pulling the trigger on a new 2014 RT LTD but am not getting a warm fuzzy feeling from the dealer. Price is OK but they are feeding me some bogus BS, such as lazer alignment is not necessary as they have a better way of doing alignments. I also have been getting some very high insurance quotes (up to $1800). When I queried the sales rep about insurance he said very few people bother to get insurance on their Spyders. I found that statement to be ludicrous. I live on the west coast of Florida in the Sarasota Bradenton area and have been unable to find any other local Spyder riders that I could contact to get their opinion on the dealership. The next closest dealer is about 70 miles away. Any ideas?

 

[PrairieSpyder]

You should definitely find another dealer to do business with. I bought mine from Pitbull, 300 miles from me. As far as I know, all states will require insurance on any vehicle on the road. If you finance your Spyder, you'll definitely be required to get insurance. Is the dealer offering insurance? If so, don't buy insurance from them; go to an insurance company, instead. There are lots of SpyderLovers in Florida. I'm sure they will have dealers they can recommend.

 

[spyder-dude]

There isn't a better way of doing alignments compared to the laser alignment system from spydercomfort.com. Some dealers use the BRP laser alignment which absolutely sucks.

I would find a new dealer as there are many good ones in Florida.

 

[murphybrown]

IMHO

Find another dealer. I like PrairieSpyder purchased from Pitbull . They are honest , no BS, know the ends and outs of all things Spyder. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Oldmanzues]

I would go to a different dealer for sure.
Insurence rates seem to differe widely. Old customer/new customers seem to make a huge difference in cost as well as all the other factors.
The"advice" about not needing insurence should be reported to the BBB. It is almost impossible to believe that anybody with any knowledge of road vehicles would say this or even think it. Unless you have lots of money and can afford several thousand dollars out of your pocket.
Good luck
Oldmanzues

 

[Dragonrider]

Would you buy a Mustang and drive it without insurance?? Same answer for your $20K+ Spyder. I haven't had the laser alignment, and don't know if I will. My dealer doesn't do it, but is considering adding the service - so I'll reconsider if they do.

IMHO, having a good dealer within a half hours ride is a critical part of Spyder ownership, and the key here is customer service, and the quality of the service Techs - talk to them, and talk to customers who have had their Spyders serviced there, should answer your questions. To me, the sales department are just facilitators, the key is post purchase capabilities.

 

[MouthPiece]

I guess any dealer that doesn't have the Rolo/Outlaw laser alignment procedure is gonna say that their way is just as good. Bottom line is that it isn't. As to the insurance issue, perhaps you are referring to the maintenance plan offered for servicing your spyder versus conventional insurance? My maintenance plan cost me around $1500.00 and is good for either six services or two years. (at least I think that's the terms).

I'd google Can Am Spyder dealerships in Flarda and see what other dealerships you come up with. I don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling either with what you described.

Chris

 

[CentralCoastCA]

The best information I've gotten from SL is that the dealer setup of a new Spyder is critical as a bad or sloppy construction can make for a poor ownership experience. So I walked away from salesmen and dealerships that I didn't get good vibes from.

Bought mine from a dealer who is 150 miles (one way) from me, no BS in sales (in fact I bought it over the phone), was able to deal with them on the price (also on the phone followed up by a confirmation email) and confirmed there were Spyder certified tech's in the shop. My new Spyder was still in Canada awaiting shipment, so we took a ride to meet the dealer and staff before delivery and confirm they were the type of shop that was reliable. Hubby and I were both satisfied with our choice and completed the purchase. I did have to have some warranty work done along with the first service, and I am fairly happy with their work.

IMHO, if you are leery of the sales part then you can't be sure of the service quality, it's best to find another dealer that you have confidence in.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Central Florida Power Sports in Orlando has the Rolo system and I have heard very good things about them. If you get the Spyder real soon, Precisyon Track is currently in the St. Pete area and they do Rolo alignments. They are a spyderlovers.com sponsor and you can find the link to their info on the home page.

 

[jimjel]

I guess any dealer that doesn't have the Rolo/Outlaw laser alignment procedure is gonna say that their way is just as good. Bottom line is that it isn't. As to the insurance issue, perhaps you are referring to the maintenance plan offered for servicing your spyder versus conventional insurance? My maintenance plan cost me around $1500.00 and is good for either six services or two years. (at least I think that's the terms).

I'd google Can Am Spyder dealerships in Flarda and see what other dealerships you come up with. I don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling either with what you described.

Chris

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the input. The insurance number I quoted was for insuring the Spyder, not a maintenance contract. That was from good ol' Progressive. I finally got a reasonable quote with good coverages from Geico. There are dealers in Tampa and one in Ft Myers both of which are 60 to 80 miles away. Another tidbit the salesman let slip when I asked if they had BRP certified techs he of course said yes, but slipped up and told me the certification is for the dealership not the techs. If a certified tech leaves the dealership they can hire anybody off the street and still retain their certified tech status. That is a bad on BRP but understandable as they are a manufacturer not a service organization.

Jim

 

[Chupaca]

Choices choices..!!

check their sevice department. Talk to the techs salesmen you will mostly run across once. If the price is right and the tech's and service is good you should be fine. Insurance you should always get yourself. Adding to your auto policy can get you a discount and I think all states require liability insurance. Now 70 miles is a fun morning ryde and there may be others.....:thumbup:

 

[RandyP]

The dealer I went to gave me the warm and fussy feeling until the sales was complete because their service sure doesn't.
So if you buy from a one dealer do you have to use the same dealer for service & warranty or can you take it to another dealer?
Thanks for any input

 

[Gray Ghost]

Central Florida Power Sports in Orlando has the Rolo system and I have heard very good things about them. If you get the Spyder real soon, Precisyon Track is currently in the St. Pete area and they do Rolo alignments. They are a spyderlovers.com sponsor and you can find the link to their info on the home page.

We bought our RT at Central Florida Powersports in Kissimmee. They have a good service department and do a lot to support spyder riders in the area. They also have a sister dealership in the Tampa area.

 

[ARtraveler]

The dealer talked about in the OP is sending up many red flags to me. I would run, run, run, from that dealership.

Posters above have you covered about the alignment. Ran into the same here--but even I know better.

Insurance: the rates will vary, but currently I pay $57.00 per month on my 2014 RT-S and $42.00 per month on my 2011 RT A & C. Both from State Farm. I carry full coverage and there is no lien on either machine. I would not drive either machine without insurance. Anyone suggesting to not carry insurance is not to smart--IMO of course. If financed, the bank will require insurance.

 

[Top End Unlimited]

DEALERS

I have been looking at pulling the trigger on a new 2014 RT LTD but am not getting a warm fuzzy feeling from the dealer. Price is OK but they are feeding me some bogus BS, such as lazer alignment is not necessary as they have a better way of doing alignments. I also have been getting some very high insurance quotes (up to $1800). When I queried the sales rep about insurance he said very few people bother to get insurance on their Spyders. I found that statement to be ludicrous. I live on the west coast of Florida in the Sarasota Bradenton area and have been unable to find any other local Spyder riders that I could contact to get their opinion on the dealership. The next closest dealer is about 70 miles away. Any ideas?

I live in Sarasota, but I bought my Spyder in Kissimmee. Little bit of a drive, but well worth the trip. And my insurance is through State Farm and at a very good rate. Send me a pm. and I'll talk to you about it. I will give you my number then.

 

[MouthPiece]

We bought our RT at Central Florida Powersports in Kissimmee. They have a good service department and do a lot to support spyder riders in the area. They also have a sister dealership in the Tampa area.

I believe the sister dealership is in Clearwater, and they do enjoy a very reputable reputation for service. I can't remember the name of the dealership, but they are located in Clearwater. I know that's a bit of a distance from where you are in Sarasota, but perhaps you can make an adventure of it. Hope this helps.

Chris

 

[MikeT]

.IMHO, having a good dealer within a half hours ride is a critical part of Spyder ownership[/QUOTE]
Not all of us are so lucky as to have "a good dealer within a half hours ride". IF I pull the trigger on a '14 RTS/SE6 I'll be buying in another State. I'm really hoping that sales and service are seperate entities at the dealer, and not tied together. The dealer is 90 minutes away. Service has good reputation. Sales, not so much.
Mike

 

[Magdave]

I have been looking at pulling the trigger on a new 2014 RT LTD but am not getting a warm fuzzy feeling from the dealer. Price is OK but they are feeding me some bogus BS, such as lazer alignment is not necessary as they have a better way of doing alignments. I also have been getting some very high insurance quotes (up to $1800). When I queried the sales rep about insurance he said very few people bother to get insurance on their Spyders. I found that statement to be ludicrous. I live on the west coast of Florida in the Sarasota Bradenton area and have been unable to find any other local Spyder riders that I could contact to get their opinion on the dealership. The next closest dealer is about 70 miles away. Any ideas?

Are you talking liability or warranty? 2 different things I am sure he meant warranty probably because a lot of 14 owners got an extra year or 2 beyond the standard BRP 3yr warranty. Central Florida Powersports is the best in Florida by the way.

 

[Dan McNally]

check their sevice department. Talk to the techs salesmen you will mostly run across once. If the price is right and the tech's and service is good you should be fine. Insurance you should always get yourself. Adding to your auto policy can get you a discount and I think all states require liability insurance. Now 70 miles is a fun morning ryde and there may be others.....:thumbup:

:agree:

 

[KX5062]

I have been looking at pulling the trigger on a new 2014 RT LTD but am not getting a warm fuzzy feeling from the dealer. Price is OK but they are feeding me some bogus BS, such as lazer alignment is not necessary as they have a better way of doing alignments. I also have been getting some very high insurance quotes (up to $1800). When I queried the sales rep about insurance he said very few people bother to get insurance on their Spyders. I found that statement to be ludicrous. I live on the west coast of Florida in the Sarasota Bradenton area and have been unable to find any other local Spyder riders that I could contact to get their opinion on the dealership. The next closest dealer is about 70 miles away. Any ideas?

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the input. The insurance number I quoted was for insuring the Spyder, not a maintenance contract. That was from good ol' Progressive. I finally got a reasonable quote with good coverages from Geico. There are dealers in Tampa and one in Ft Myers both of which are 60 to 80 miles away. Another tidbit the salesman let slip when I asked if they had BRP certified techs he of course said yes, but slipped up and told me the certification is for the dealership not the techs. If a certified tech leaves the dealership they can hire anybody off the street and still retain their certified tech status. That is a bad on BRP but understandable as they are a manufacturer not a service organization.

Jim

I already owned a Spyder and was talked to the owner of a large local Spyder dealer about alignments, specifically speaking about the laser method. He poo-poo'ed it and said his dealership uses (I kid you not) 2x4's and a tape measure, which is good enough and works well. My conversation ended on that. When it came time to buy a new Spyder, I did not buy from there.

Spyder dealerships can be thin and BRP does not seem to do a good job of weeding out less than satisfactory dealers. Like the dealer can be BRP certified, but not the tech. Or they can be BRP certified without being SPYDER certified, which is different too. Calling around can yield a lot of results without spending $$ on gas, but in the end if you have to drive to get a good dealer: do it.