Trading up - the sequel

[Mogman]

As you know I'm looking to trade up from my Transalp and have been looking for a Varadero - seen an ad today for 2003 model, 2600 miles, ex demo, black ?5995. Honda dealer in Wakefield so it comes with balance of warranty etc etc..  Weather permitting (snowing heavily here at the moment) I'm hoping to go down on saturday to have a look. Do you think that it is priced about right?  Anything I should look out for?

Thanks

Mogman  

[Redeye]

There doesn't seem to be many about at present, and certainly no real bargains. If it's still with the dealer as a demo you could get a bit off as they get a good lump of extra margin when they put a demo on the road.
Best of luck with the deal, and the snow, and are you on for a pint on Monday in the Jubilee at 8 with me and blade defector?  

[Mogman]

Will probably be a bit late but should be able to make it - where is the Jubilee?

[happychappy]

I would have to agree that Vara's are a bit thin on the sales floors just now. I don't know why I still check MCN every week, as I've just bought mine, but the price seems ok, but knock them down if you can. Prices seem to be going up again since December /January.

If it's any help, mine's an '02 model, registered May '03. Ex-Honda UK "company" bike, 1200 miles, advertised in Two Wheels (Edinburgh) for ?5300, shook hands on ?5150 (no trade-in, paid Switch). It depends on how far you want to travel, and how much you want to pay. Victor Devine (Glasgow solus Honda) had an '03 (think it was fuel injected / 6-speed model) ex-demo for sale; I will try and check it out for you this weekend.  I take it you've had a test ride on a Vara?

[MacValk]

Unless they have a new ex-demo in stock, Victor Devine sold his 03 spec ex-demo 4 weeks ago for ?6500 with approx 1500 miles on it.

MacValk

[Redeye]

@MogMan
Jubilee is on cross-roads opposite Shell petrol station coming down from A19 to Yarm. Car park is via the little shopping centre.

[Mogman]

Went and had a look at the ex demo in Wakefield yesterday - the bike was pretty scruffy, dirty, scratched and generally looked unloved   - I  suppose all demo bikes are mis treated to some extent.  Decided that this one wasn't for me.  Appleyards in Keighley were advertising 2003 models for ?6299 brand new, when we got there they were 2002 models, 5 gears no Fi etc. Ho hum - keep looking.

Redeye & Blade defector - I'm working in Leeds tomorrow i'll get to the Jubilee if I finish work early enough.

[Briscy]

South Wales Superbikes got a very lightly used 03 model on the floor in silver for ?6300. Its got pannier frames, look like Givi and a Givi top box plate. Oh yes also got a baglux tank cover on it. Only problem someone has taken a hacksaw to the rear mud guard just below the number plate. Worth a look is you are in the market for used - ask for Brian Jones, tell him gary the Varadero owner told you to call him.

[Redeye]

This wasn't the time to tell MogMan there was a bike in S Wales!

He just flew over the shop twice today on a trip to Bristol.

[Mogman]

Thanks Briscy, if the bike that I'm looking at on Saturday turns out to be no good I'll certainly give South Wales SB a call.

Redeye is right I probably flew over it twice today - had a meeting in Bristol, the air fare was .49p plus tax, how can they do it so cheap?

[Redeye]

MogMan

Had a word with Andy at Tillstons in Stockton - no 03 Varas on Honda auction - but.....the 04's were released for sale 4th March so he'll do an 04 Non-ABS for ?6850 OTR Black/Silver/Blue.

[Mogman]

Thanks Redeye, I'm going up to Whites at the weekend so i'll call in to see Andy on the way back.  If I get a chance I'll ring round tomorrow and see what other deals there are on 04 models.  I'll let you know the outcome..

[Redeye]

Just spotted Lancaster Honda - 03 models for ?5995