Old MY with lower mileage vs. newer MY with higher mileage

[hchon]

Here is one of those newbie questions I'd warned you about:

In choosing a used bike, would you go for newer MY bike with higher mileage or older MY with lower? I guess it'll depend on the MY and mileage so here is a hypothetical situation: '03 w/ 23k mi. vs. '01 w/ 9k mi. Let's assume for the sake of argument that they are similar in outward conditions (chips, etc.) and that they are serviced both by dealer at regular intervals.

Thanks.

hchon

[mouse]

Although the '02-'04 models had a little more HP and a relocated alternator, miles are miles. I bought an '01 last year that was a left-over dealer demo w/ 3200 miles and a full warranty. The price should reflect the model too. I've seen some real good deals on '01 & '02 models with low mileage...a friend just bought an '02 RS w/ 3500 miles for $4500 out the door. He thinks he could've gotten it cheaper since the dealer jumped on his offer.
Personally the only thing that would make me choose newer vs. older is the '05 & newer models...but they appear to be holding their value pretty well...haven't seen any real "steals". If you pick an older model be sure to check for any recalls that should have been done. As far as the quality of the bike, I've read several claims that the pre '03 models were actually a little better in the fit/finish department. Mine has shown no flaws as yet.

TM

[iceman]

thats an interesting question and one we are often faced with when buying second hand.

Not always a clear cut decision as lots of factors come in to play - in this case the 01 and 03 are actually different.

Usually I would choose the later model - all other things being equal - and if the mileage on the younger bike wasnt ridiculously high.

Grant

[PaloAlto]

I went from an '01 to an '02 (at very little out of pocket cost). Opinions vary but I liked the '02 because it has noticeably quieter engine gear noise and noticeably more HP (about 8%). Hard to say how to value that.

For cars, miles are often priced at between $0.10-0.20, i.e. on a lease, they will charge that much for additional miles on the theory that's how much each mile reduces the value of the vehicle.

Bikes may be in the same range, assuming you're not in the 50.000 mile club. As important may be when the next major maintenance is due. If you're at the middle of a maintenance period and need valves, tires, chain & sprocket, you can amortize that at about another 10 or 20 cents per mile. So JUST on maintenance costs, a bike that is 3000 miles after a maintenance/tire change is worth $300 or so less than if all that had just been done.

I hope this helps.