ElectricMotorcycleForum.com

Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: GambitDash on July 03, 2015, 11:50:18 PM

Title: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: GambitDash on July 03, 2015, 11:50:18 PM
I haven't ever purchased a motorcycle from a dealer, especially not one with as limited competition as a Zero SR. Is there much negotiation space, or do I basically pay MSRP and that's it? Any other suggestions, especially considering both my desire to support my local dealer but not leave hundreds or thousands in the table against online vendors?

I will also be needing the full range of kit, as well as a few accessories.

Cheers
--G

Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: protomech on July 04, 2015, 12:59:52 AM
Depends on the dealer's motivation. They may not budge on the MSRP (though Zero cut prices by $1300 recently), but they might throw in accessories. If you need a bunch of gear they likely could cut you a pretty good package deal.

Once Zero announces the 2016 models, prices may be a little more flexible if you can find a 2015 still in stock.
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: GambitDash on July 04, 2015, 01:05:41 AM
They don't have any SRs in stock locally, so it will be an order either way.  When is 2016 announced? November?

Good to know about accessories. Definitely going to go in for a windscreen, heated grips, and a phone holder.

Cheers
--G
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: protomech on July 04, 2015, 01:13:24 AM
October or November. Essentially after the riding season is done.
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: Straightedg4lif on July 04, 2015, 03:52:41 AM
I know that the dealership that I go to will not take any money off of the bike itself, but more than likely will hook you up on the accessories. At least that is what they said to me anyway. You could either wait for the 2016's like I am and try to get a deal on a 2015 SR or even a demo SR. I was told that they can sell the demo models in October.
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: MichaelJohn on July 04, 2015, 04:08:04 AM
I paid full MSRP for my SR back in December 2014. That was the first time that I have ever paid MSRP for any vehicle. I figured that this is a special vehicle and I also know that motorcycle dealerships don't make a lot of money on selling new bikes. For the first time ever I did not try to negotiate (I once got $10,000 off MSRP on a new BMW - car, that is). it was actually a very pleasant buying experience and of course I got treated very well. When I went back to the same dealership a few months later to buy my Honda they gave me a very sweet deal and a great price on my trade-in. What goes around comes around.
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: dkw12002 on July 05, 2015, 04:15:25 AM
They may sell their demo at a reduced price. I think that is actually a better alternative, because you can get it cheaper, plus if there were any issues, presumably they would have fixed them. Both of my Zeros were demos.
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: GambitDash on July 05, 2015, 04:58:01 AM
Alas, no demo SRs here.

Cheers
--G

Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: KrazyEd on July 08, 2015, 09:01:43 AM
I would think that with Zero, the dealership would be more important than the price.
People on here seem to have problems or not, depending upon where the bike is from.
I wouldn't imagine that there would be a lot to be saved if a discount was to be had, but,
if you got it from a sub par dealer, and, you needed assistance, you may be out of your
ride for a long time. I got XU from a Dealer in Las Vegas. It was the last one that they
sold before discontinuing Zero. I did have issues early but they were taken care of promptly
and professionally, even though they were no longer selling Zero. Issues arose recently,
and, with several Zero Dealers in a 400 mile perimeter, chose Hollywood Electrics. Even
though the bike was purchased elsewhere, Harlan did a very fast turn around with diagnosis
and repair.
   The other option of a demo would be be hard to determine. There would be money to be saved,
at the cost of at least half of the warranty. Again, with possible problems, I wouldn't want to
pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for an out of warranty repair on a 2000 mile bike. Again,
the selling dealer would be a factor.
Just my two cents.
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: xmjsilverx on July 10, 2015, 08:14:56 AM
I got about $500 off from MSRP.  I have heard some dealers won't budge but it is all up to the dealer.  Zero does not have any rules against it.  I would tell them you are looking to get it under MSRP and if they can do that you will come order one.  That always works for me.
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: Greg06 on July 11, 2015, 06:32:44 PM
There's normally a bit of space to negotiate, Zero included.  It's not locked like Tesla.  I added some accessories (J1772 adapter) and the freight/prep, which I bought shortly after Zero announced the price drop.  The other side of it probably depends on the competition in your area and if there are options to get offers from two dealers.
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: GambitDash on July 11, 2015, 09:19:10 PM
Only dealer in the state, alas. I got them to drop a few hundred dollars, but not much beyond that. They are good folk, and have been helpful during the process, so I don't feel bad about it. New 2015SR en route!

Cheers
--G

Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: Fivespeed302 on July 12, 2015, 07:44:41 PM
I didn't negotiate at all, because Hap's in Sarasota was a great experience.  They were really cool and are family owned.  After I got my paperwork, I saw they gave me a $750 discount off MSRP.  I couldn't believe it.
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: dkw12002 on July 13, 2015, 02:56:42 AM
I think you support your dealer just by buying from them. You have to assume they aren't going to sell you something at a loss (in spite of what they may occasionally tell you).  I always negotiate or at least try to. I would feel bad if I found out someone had paid $2,000 less for the same bike and I hadn't tried to negotiate. That's $2,000 I could throw away on the stock market! There are a lot of good, different bikes out there too. Don't fall in love with one bike.

I went to 3 dealers when I bought my new Gixxer 600 a couple weeks ago, I would have paid $1,500 more from one dealer's "best price", and when I offered the same price I eventually got the bike for from a 3rd dealer, that salesman called my offer "unrealistic".



 
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: steven_first on July 14, 2015, 12:21:22 AM
I got them to knock a big chunk off of the dealer setup fee because there is nothing for them to do other than put on the handle bars!
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: oobflyer on July 14, 2015, 02:22:51 AM
I got my SR at Contra Costa Motorsports in Concord, CA.
I didn't negotiate on the bike, or the initial accessories, but when I went back to buy an off-board Delta-Q charger, and the Y-adapter, they gave me a 10% discount.
Title: Re: Dealer negotiations?
Post by: mikesubzero on August 15, 2015, 11:07:36 AM
Got my 2013 Zero Fx 5.7 from Indian Motorcycles in Lafayette  which was a dealer demo for a great price they would not budge on the price as their margins were low but they did hook me up with a few free accessories(12volt socket,phone mount and ) as consolation was very impressed with their professionalism and customer service. Wish they had more models in stock to testride but as i already knew i wanted an fx was not too upset about that.

So yeah just ask for accessories you want at dealer and im sure they will hook you up :)