So you've saved up some cash or have been pre-approved for used motorcycle financing, and you're ready to shop KIJIJI for the perfect ride in Alberta. The quest for a used motorcycle on this popular platform can be as thrilling as it is daunting. With an array of listings that promise great finds, the challenge lies in sifting through to spot genuine deals and steer clear of potential scams. Our guide is crafted to navigate you through the complexities of KIJIJI’s extensive marketplace, helping you make an informed and savvy purchase amidst Alberta's varied motorcycle offerings.
Mastering KIJIJI's Search and Filters to Find Your Perfect Ride
KIJIJI's got some handy tools to help you find the right used motorcycle in Alberta without having to wade through everything else:
- Location Filter: Narrow down how far you're willing to shop to pick up your bike using the built in location filter. This helps you zero in on bikes that are close enough to check out in person.
- "For Sale By" Filter: Using the "For Sale By" filter, you can narrow your search to show bikes sold by either private owners or dealers. There are advantages and disadvantages to search either route which we will explore below.
- Price Filter: Use the price filter to narrow down your options to fit your range. I would suggest to aim a little higher than your actual budget when setting your max price. This gives you some wiggle room for negotiating and might bring up options you hadn't considered. Setting a minimum price will help filter out "mechanic specials" and dealers who list a payment over actual pricing.
- Kilometers and Year Filters: Focusing on bikes with lower miles or only want a newer model? Set those filters! It is important to remember that some good deals might not list these details in the ads, however, so you may want to remove these filters if you find the selection is narrowed down too far.
Conversing with Sellers: Keeping Friendly & Focused
We have reached out to thousands of sellers over our years in the industry and have come across nearly every type of interaction. When you first reach out to sellers, your goal should be to make the best first impression that you can. Remember that there are many scammers on KIJIJI (discussed below), so ensure that you come across as human as possible.
Start with something simple such as "great looking bike, is it still available?". Your first impression will create for a smooth negotiation. Ensure to ask any questions you might have before taking time to set up a viewing. Ensure to not present it in a condescending matter so as to try and degrade their ride. Taking potshots about condition is a sure-fire way to ensure there won't be willingness to negotiate.
I would suggest to watch out for ads that scream out "no tire kickers" or "serious offers only" as the tone implies that they may not be the easiest to communicate with from the onset. Instead, lean towards sellers who give you the full scoop on their bike, from its condition to its history, and who seem happy to answer your questions.
KIJIJI Pitfalls: Steering Clear of Scams
With more and more scams popping up on KIJIJI every day, keeping your guard up is key.
Here’s how to play it safe:
- Picture Check: Run a quick reverse image search to make sure the bike’s photos aren’t showing up all over the internet. Original photos are a good start to ensure that the seller is legitimate.
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices: If the deal sounds like a steal, it might just be. Trust your gut if something feels off.
- Seller’s Story: Does everything the seller claims add up? Any weirdness in their story could be a red flag.
- No Money Up Front: Don’t hand over any cash before you’ve seen the bike with your own eyes. This includes "holding" fees, unless you're 100% sure you're dealing with a legit business.
- Verify Ownership: No matter the story that the seller is pitching, you'll absolutely want to be sure that whoever you are paying is the true owner. Don't accept the fact that they are selling for a friend or another family member. Ensure you're buying from the rightful owner to avoid pitfalls down the road.
- Get Your Own CARFAX with a Lien Check: Even if the seller offers a CARFAX report, run your own anyways. Things can change from when the original seller bought the report and you'll want to be ahead of it. There are scams where a seller may add a lien after pulling a CARFAX so that it isn't shown. Nobody want's to have to deal with a repo man on a bike that they think they own outright.
- Safety First: Always meet in a public spot to check out the bike. If you can, bring a buddy who knows their way around motorcycles to check it out. If you're meeting at the sellers home, view outside if possible.
Private Sale or Dealer? The Advantages & Disadvantages
While buying from a dealer on KIJIJI might come with a higher price tag, the benefits can outweigh the costs. In this section, we outline some advantages and disadvantes of going either route.
Advantages of Buying from a Private Sale Owner:
- You will typically find a lower price point when compared to dealership markup.
- You might get a better idea of the history of the bike directly from the previous owner versus dealership gargon.
- You can usually barter a better price than what they had originally listed for.
Disadvantages of Buying from a Private Sale Owner:
- You will run into more scammers who are experts at their craft and who can be incredibly convincing.
- You typically aren't able to add warranty or other options and sellers may not be willing to deliver if that is important to you.
- Private sellers have no reputation to uphold. Once you pay, it's yours to deal with.
Advantages of Buying from a Dealer on KIJIJI:
- Reputation is everything for an honest used motorcycle dealer which provides a sense of confidence in comparison to buying from a random seller.
- You may be able to add warranty or other add-ins, if that is imporant for you.
- While many dealers offer private sale financing, you may get better rates and terms if you choose a used motorcycle from their inventory.
Disadvantages of Buying from a Dealer on KIJIJI:
- You'll typically be looking at higher prices and less room to negotiate as dealers require to obtain a margin to cover their overhead.
- Most dealers will have fees. Many choose not to disclose their fees in the KIJIJI list price.
- Dealers may try to pressure you into add-ons or financing when you are not interested.
Finalizing Your Purchase
When you're ready to make a purchase, don't hesitate to negotiate the price. Secure a payment method that ensures both parties' comfort and safety. Always finalize transactions during daylight hours and ensure all paperwork is thoroughly completed and signed. If considering financing, give Revival Powersports' Private Sale Motorcycle Financing a shot. They provide a clear fee structure that no other dealership offers. Trust us, you'll be paying at minimum the same as their fees when all is said and done at the other guys.
Scoring a used motorcycle on KIJIJI in Alberta? It's like embarking on a treasure hunt. There's excitement, a bit of mystery, and yeah, maybe some bumps along the way. The key? Using KIJIJI's toolkit smartly, keeping your eyes peeled for those too-good-to-be-true scams, and getting the hang of chatting with both private sellers and dealers. This isn't just shopping—it's an adventure that could end with you cruising on your new-to-you bike! With that, I wish all of my fellow Albertan's a happy shopping experience!
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