My guy got his bike on Craigslist has it a couple of years now.
You have to pick through the ads, and if they ask too much email them your price many prices are just there to see if you are serious, its up to you to barter down the prices.
If they are firm then forget that one. We have had good luck on Craigslist if you just decide what you want, model/make then what is a fair price, then go see it, make an offer. Point out all the dings , scratches, etc you never pay full price that is their asking price most will negotiate with you.
Take a mechanic or friend with you 2 pairs of eyes is better than 1 pair and if you live in a rough area its a little insurance there isn't going to be any issues.
I bought my truck on Craigslist, got a decent price. But with things like motorcycles it can be tricky, because bikers tend to have strong emotional attachments to their "Hogs" and they remember every little thing, like how much they paid for the custom paint on the fuel tank or those chrome exhaust pipes. Try looking for a seller whose got a lot of listings, chances are he's operating like a de facto dealer just buying old and broken and fixing them up and selling for a fair price. Also this is the WRONG time of year to be looking for a bike, think about it, you should have bought one last year, late fall, maybe even after the first snow.
The prices are that high so that there is room for negotiations. If someone is offering motorcycle for $8000, write to the guy and tell him you will offer $4000 (or whatever) if the bike is to your satisfaction when you check it out in person. Then he can reject or counter your offer.
They think the bikes are worth more than they actually are, which is why they are listing them on Craigslist rather then the more traditional routes. Beware of anyone selling something through Craigslist...bikes included.
there is a sucker born every minute,, someone will bite
and it's full of scams
some of these don't even have the item,,, they just get your money and poof- gone
craigslist mainly sells prostitutes
you would probably get a cheaper motorcycle on ebay
I am planning to buy a motorcycle for the Spring and I have been browsing the ads on Craigslist for a few weeks now.
The prices that they are quoting are RIDICULOUS! Almost twice as much as the KBB value in most cases!
It seems to me these people posting ads on CL are not even serious about selling and are stuck in some dreamland. For example a motorcycle they bought in 2008 for $8,000 is being sold for $6,800 in 2014! I mean seriously what the hell are these people thinking wasting people's time?
Of all these postings, I am very confident that 90% of them never get sold. I understand some people make lowball offers and it's better to price a little higher, but double the price just screams 'I DONT EVEN CARE TO SELL' and that seems to be the norm not the exception.
I think Craigslist is just a serious waste of time if you are buying goods like automobiles.
