Most hot 250cc bikes have used prices that are almost identical to new prices. If demand is high and supply is low, sometimes used prices are above MSRP. They were in the Seattle area when the 2008+ Ninja 250R first came out (MSRP $3,499; “market” price $5K+).
When you buy used, you take many risks that you don’t take when you buy new. You have no warranty. You don’t have as good an idea of the mechanical state of the machine. Even a great mechanic can fail to notice a major issue until it’s too late. Things like hard riding or mistreatment don’t always show right away. In the long run it can be much cheaper to buy a new vehicle if the original difference in price is not drastic.
That said, I do own a used car, but I saved 50% over the new model and got manufacturer’s certification and 4-year warranty with it, so there was no contest. Weigh your options and make your own decision.
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