Negotiating with the dealership

[Mzomaxrph]

I didn’t know how to search for this subject or if it has even been brought up. I am real close to biting the bullet and trading in my 2009 GL1800 for the 2021 Goldwing tour. Honda is offering its 0.99% financing and I am psyched up for this years model. After calling several dealerships I get the impression that since Honda produced a significantly lower number of bikes due to COVID that they are a lot less motivated to negociate much. Can I get any input from those who have purchased a 2021 or even any tips on how I might get my best deal? Thanks in advance for any advice!

[AZgl1800]

no real clues, as I am not looking.

but in my local regional area of a 300 mile circle,
Honda of Russellville, Arkansas is the best bar none for negotiating with you fairly.
I first contacted them via email, the manager there went back and forth with me 2 or 3 times,
then asked me to call him.
we made a deal via the phone, and I went and got it.

that is where I finally ended up buying my 1800, after talking to
Shawnee, OK
Springdale, AR
Tulsa, OK
OKC, OK

all Honda m/c dealers of course.

the bike that I bought?
it was owned by a man from Florida, he was impressed enough with my dealer, that he rode his bike to Russellville, AR and traded with them.

I was able to get a copy of the OEM title to transfer to Oklahoma, and it had his name and address on it.
I wrote a letter to him, and he was a very nice guy.
very anal with documentation, I got all of it. wow!!!

[Mzomaxrph]

Thanks AZgl1800 for your response. Maybe this thread can continue on with input from others as to what people can do to get their best deal. I thought I had a really good deal at the first place I went to and was very impressed with their professionalism. I decided to take their offer but wanted to put some new tires on my old bike first just to see if I could talk them into some freebie accessories. Note: I had the tires for life program through a different dealership and it didn’t cost me anything. When I went to them for new tires they had both the black and the red Goldwing Tour. As I was waiting on the service dept I was looking at the bikes and was talking to a sales person. I told her what I was offered by the other dealership and she had the mechanic evaluate my 2009 and offered me $1500 more than I was able to get out of the first place. Their 3 year maintainence contract was the same price as the first place but gave me unlimited maintainence over the 3 years whereas the first place only gave me 6 services over the 3 years. Big Difference! I usually put in enough miles to get 4 services a year and always save about $2000 above what I paid for the contract. They delivered my red DCT 2021 Goldwing Tour that evening which gave me enough time to take off my cup holder, flash to pass, and a few other accessories I had on my 2009 before they took her away. Yes, I am a happy camper!

[Andy Cote]

Great news. The big variable for you is the trade. If the dealer thinks they can move it quick, they will be more receptive and give you a better price. In this case you have a good dealer that does good service work for you as well. Good to shop around.

[tfdeputydawg]

You need to sell your bike then look for the new one.

[raven41951]

The dealer told me to sell my '16 outright as they could not give me what it was worth on a trade. The new ones are selling for list price. Period.

[raven41951]

Update: I went to another dealer and they gave me a better deal than I was looking for. I pick up my '21 DCT bagger next week. Moral of the story: Keep looking until you find the deal you want.