Adjustment of value for mileage
 

Anyone got a good handle on adjusting the purchase value of a used bike against its mileage?

Let's suppose that we have two bikes.

The first is a very good condition Y plate with average mileage (20K) and up for £1950 (it's not an SV by the way) which is just below book value.

The second is a W plate - slighty shabby (been kept outside most likely) but has only just over 2000 miles on it (yes really 2000 in 6 years!). The book value for this is £1790. What should I expect to pay for it?

Thanks!

Mat

If it's been outside for 6 years and only done 2000 miles, I'd walk away and find one that'd done a bit more. That's enough sitting to do damage in a warm dry garage, never mind outside.

Have to say I'm more tempted by the higher mileage one which is in perfect nick (I have no idea how they've kept it like that for 20K miles).

What sort of damage do you think it will have that couldn't be easily fixed?

I'm thinking all sorts of corrosion risks...

...Not to mention the battery is likely to be in less than optimum condition. Rubber hoses could be getting a bit perished too (unlikely to of been replaced).

Brakes could be an issue with the bike outside too. As said rubber hoses but also piston seals tend to rot if left unchecked causing all sorts of problems. Go for the more used but better condition one.

Great - thanks guys. Sounds like that's a no-brainer then!

Yep - a good condition bike with 20,000 miles on the clock is much better than one with a couple of 1000 but hasn't been cared for. No point having an under used engine in a rotting chassis.