What is reasonable?

[rmkelvis]

I am looking to take a late model sled that is for sale on a test ride.

I would like to use it on some of my familiar spots. Owner is unable to accompany me on a ride which is 4 hrs away travel time.

I would like to take the sled for a day and put on 40 miles.

What are some reasonable guidelines to protect both of us?

Your thoughts.

 

[KSH]

Wow, I would never let that happen.



Just make sure it is insured.

 

[05900]

" Demo Ride " have done it and did it last weekend.

 

[rmkelvis]

so what are some reasonable guidlelines to protect both parties.

I don't think that I want to invest $10,000 in a sled that I drove for 1 mile on a flat stretch of road.

 

[KSH]

so what are some reasonable guidlelines to protect both parties.

I don't think that I want to invest $10,000 in a sled that I drove for 1 mile on a flat stretch of road.

My problem with the owner not being there is if it brakes down, who is responsible?
Is it under warranty?
Is it heavily modded?

 

[rmkelvis]

sled is late model, under warranty with a aftermarket can and clutch updates.

What rules would you make.

You break it you buy it.?

 

[rmkelvis]

About 10 years ago, a dealer let me take a used sled that he had taken in on trade for a day for a test ride. The problems that I found by using the sled were numerous. Most of them were no noticeable by simply looking at a cleaned up sled.

 

[Jaynelson]

To clarify....it's from a dealer or a private owner? If it's a dealer I'm sure he'll figure out what he wants or doesn't want.

Sounds like a private owner tho? If that's the case....if I were selling the sled, there is no way I would let you take it 4 hours away to ride it (unsupervised) as you please. If it's under warranty and in nice shape....what are you worried about? That you won't like how it rides? That's hardly the seller's problem....

 

[05900]

Most dealers have insurance etc..buy your last car without a test drive??

 

[rmscustom]

If I owned the sled you could take it if it was paid for in full with the understanding you can bring it back for a refund in the same condition as it left. Otherwise you can ride it under my supervision.

 

[rmkelvis]

Is there a difference in how different makes of sleds handle?

I want a sled that I am comfortable with and like the way it handles.

How about if I buy it but have a 10 day return guarantee?

 

[Jaynelson]

Dealer or private seller?

 

[rmkelvis]

private seller

 

[Jaynelson]

Your comfort level with the sled, and whether or not you like the handling....are not his problem IMO.

If you are looking for all-day test rides and 10-day guarantees, you should be looking to purchase from a dealer IMO. That's what they are there for.

Respectfully, I think those are unreasonable expectations from a private seller.

 

[rmkelvis]

This sled is from a different manufacturer than the sleds I have driven for the past 10 years. I am looking to protect my interest and investments.

Is it unreasonable to take the sled for a test ride that duplicates the type of riding that I do in Montana?

 

[rmkelvis]

Not to discriminate based upon age, however.

I am not a 20 year old hot shot rider.


I am a retired 65 year old responsible rider.

 

[rmscustom]

Sounds like you need to decide what you want to buy first either by riding your buddies, demos from dealers or I've even rented a sled for a day to see if I like it... Your asking a lot from a private seller IMO but thats between you and them. Ask them and maybe work something out but if you decide to return it after 10 days they're losing possible sales with a season thats winding down fast.

 

[KTMDirtFace]

There is no way if i was selling a Motorcycle, or a Snowmobile that I would ever let anyone test ride it. I would answer any questions start it up for them. way to much risk of someone wrecking it or who knows what else. Or they could test ride it and not buy it wasting my time. Or steal it.. who knows.

Dealers have all the legal paperwork to handle all that for demo's and whatnot.. use them if thats what you want.

 

[JHG]

This has nothing to do with you personally but there is not one chance that as a seller i would let someone take my sled and ride it without me there. There are to many other people out there that will buy the sled without having to take it out to ride. Things happen fast in the woods, especially on an unfamilier sled and I would rather avoid the potential mess of a crashed or blown up sled that someone else piled up. way more options to sell that have less risk. When it leaves my garage you own it and I have been paid, if it breaks in half, you own both halfs. That's the risk of buying used.

 

[Mafesto]

Is it unreasonable to take the sled for a test ride that duplicates the type of riding that I do in Montana?

To answer your question.....yes.
That is an unreasonable request.