Buying a new PCX150

[yttikeiram]

Hi, everyone! I'm new here. So, I've been following this forum for a while. I've finally decided to get a new PCX150. Now, I know some people would say to get a used one, but I'm a bit weary, as I have absolutely no mechanical knowledge.

I currently live in Los Angeles County. I feel as if I'm being ripped off on prices. I tried to call around to a few places, and I keep getting quoted between $4200 and $4500 for a black PCX150. Now, I'm not stupid. I know there is about a 10% sales tax here. That would add an extra $344.90 to the $3449 MSRP. So, that totals $3793.90. I understand everything is a bit more expensive in California, so I figured you should add maybe an extra $200. Why the heck am I being quoted up to $4500 for a PCX then?? From what I understand, even though I ask for the OTD price, some of these dealers don't include tax, title, or set-up fees in that price. So, what, am I supposed to pay hundreds more on TOP of $700 over the MSRP?

This is my first time buying any vehicle. I don't really know how to negotiate. If someone has any tips on buying used, I'd love them. The one dealer offered $3700 for their demo red PCX150. They all have under 500 miles. None of them have had their first service yet, though. I'm kind of weary on doing this, but again, any advice is appreciated.

I kind of know that a lot of people paid around those prices in SoCal, but should those prices still be the same when it's already February of 2014? These prices seemed like what they paid back in spring of '13.

[maddiedog]

That's typical pricing for CA. You wont get much better than that -- I'd certainly go with the demo model or a used one if price is that big of a concern.

Hondas are always in demand in the USA, and even the scooters move fast enough that the dealers often won't move on pricing, especially in urban areas.

You won't be disappointed in a used one. Even if it has a bit of miles, I'd say a used one from a single owner would be far less risk than a demo bike. Demo bikes get thrashed. You rarely hear about engine failures on the PCX.

[Mgalutia88]

What about asking how long before they get the '14 model? It could be worth the wait and the power plant seems unaltered so variators and exhausts would change over...

[Mgalutia88]

Here in Missouri used PCX models are rare and so end up around $500-800 less than new. I paid (knowing at the cheapest dealer in town as they have a reputation for this) $4100 out the door with a four year pro plan warranty (the one that doesn't cover normal service cost. It was $200 more.) They cut $150 off of MSRP for that price. They have been a great dealer though. They have a 50 year reputation in our area and have been owned by the same family all that time if I remember correctly.

Long story short I would buy new or demo and get the warranty you deserve. This is a scooter we are talking about. The test rides are not that bad.

[kramnala58]

If you are not paying cash, whatever you do, don't tell them how much you are willing to pay per month. Dealers work with banks and can get varied interest rates. When they know how much you are willing to pay per month they will match it with the corresponding interest rate even if you qualify for a lower rate, and then they get a kick back from the bank.

[yttikeiram]

Got a demo model for $3638.37. 324 miles. They still charged a $199 freight and setup fee (included in price). I get a bit peeved off about that, but whatever. The bottom panel is cracked, but it looks like what happens whenever the bottom of the scoot hits the road when turning sometimes. It should be an easy fix. This is my first experience buying any transportation, so I'm happy. Next time, I hope to have enough knowledge to buy a good used one. They had one with 1100 miles bought in August for $2800 OTD. My hubby didn't like the fact that the previous owner added a speaker mod on the floorboards, though. He drilled a hole to mount them. We weren't sure how to inspect it, either. I did avoid the one demo that was missing a mirror and was obviously dropped. Even the salesman admitted it probably was, it wouldn't be covered, but he said it looked like no damage. He still wanted $3638 for the dropped one with 150 more miles on it, too Yeah, no thanks. :p Maybe when I become more mechanically inclined I can negotiate better, heh.

[Mel46]

When you bring your bike in for service, or learn how to service it yourself, you will find that most of the plastic has to come off. The panels don't cost that much, so if you want to replace the cracked one, purchase it on the internet and have it put on during the servicing. Most of the panels for an older PCX 125 will fit the new PCX 150, and they are a whole lot cheaper. Go to bikebandits.com, look up the name of the panel, choose your color, and order it. Many people don't realize that they do fit. I have a red 2013 PCX 150 and I replaced one of my panels with one from their site meant for a 2011 PCX 125. The colors matched perfectly. There are also plastic repair kits out but if you don't feel comfortable doing any repair work on it, just buy the replacement panel , wait till the next service and have them do it. The service is going to cost you $200 - $250 anyway because of them having to take all those panels off. Ten minutes more won't mean much in the grand scheme.

[Mgalutia88]

That panel should be less than $20 to buy