Used Sprint value? Can you predict what they will be in 2016?

[sean79]

A couple questions...

First one:  Is the Kelly Blue Book usually an accurate indicator of used motorcycle prices?  I've seen 2000 Sprints going as low as $3000, but kbb says the retail value should be lower.  Maybe I'm just living in an area where the two don't mesh???

Second one:  If I buy a 2000 Sprint RS for $3000 today, what should I be able to sell it for in five years?  Assuming it's still in good shape, how much of a hit should I expect to take (depreciation)?  

[caddydaddy]

If I could predict the future, I'd be a billionaire by now!  

Seriously though, so many factors affect prices!  Like this little depression/recession we're in, etc.  

[falconati]

Most of the depreciation is done on the bike, so you should be able to retain most of the value.  That said, if the initial price is $3000...who cares?  The hit is only $3k, tops.

[SLK50]

  When buying used bikes ( or cars ) I use a simple formula to calculate depreciation.

  I allow 100.00 per month of ownership. I figure if I pay 3,000 for a bike and keep it

for 30 months, it's effectively PAID FOR. If I then sell it, anything I get is a BONUS.

Economics majors and MBAs need not correct me.

  FWIW, the Sprint has pretty much realized all of it's depreciation, I doubt it

will ever drop below 2500, assuming it's better than average condition.

[rgbeard]

Bottom line: Any RUNNING vehicle without significant issues is worth $1,500.  Period.

In five years that may have inflated to $2,000.

(significant issues defined as: motor, trans, frame, salvage title, etc. )

[sean79]

Thanks, everyone.

What about kelly blue book?  When I go to the kbb site and punch in the 2000 Sprint RS, it gives me a retail value of $2565 - that's supposed to be a retail price in excellent condition.  I never see them for that - at least not in excellent condition.  Can they be found for that, or is the kbb price way off?

[Rincewind]

I would use the KBB quote to negotiate a lower price than $3k.  If you want extra ammo, also quote the NADA Guide price (retail $1,790 to $2,355).  That said, $3000 is not a bad price for what you get with a RS.  Looking at prices on used Triumphs, it seems more often they are padded a bit over KBB retail levels.  I don't know what they are selling for, but I would negotiate.

If you want to compare values over time, look at the 1995 Triumphs vs the 2000 Triumphs on KBB and NADA.  

[Playinthestreet]

KBB retail values have historically been higher than the real world, whether it be bikes or cars.  NADA is closer, but sometimes high as well.    I would doubt that a dealer would allow more than $1000 (real money) for a trade on a 2000 Sprint.  It's a buyer's market these days.  I bought an 03 Sprint ST with a few extras, 33k miles, for $3500 last Sept.