Pre-Owned Purchase, Dealership or Private Party?

If you're looking to buy a used Harley Davidson, you'll have to decide whether to purchase from a dealership (preferably, us Rattlesnake Mountain HD) or a private party, whether FB or CL. While both options have their pros and cons, there are several reasons why buying from a dealership is the best choice.

First, we offer a wider selection of bikes as we have access to 1000 Harley's through our company dealership network - largest selection of Pre-Owned units in Washington State. Private party sales are usually limited to one or two bikes, and finding the perfect one can be a hassle and time consuming. At Rattlesnake Mountain Harley Davidson, we have an extensive inventory of used Harleys, making it easier and most likely we have the right one for you.

Another advantage of buying from RMHD is the peace of mind that comes with it. Private party sales can be risky, as you don't know the person you're dealing with, and there's no guarantee that the bike is in good condition. We have seen many bikes bought privately that looked great cosmetically but safety and other operational items were neglected.  As a dealership, on the other hand, offer certified pre-owned bikes that have gone through rigorous inspections and come with available extended service plans / warranties (at an extra cost), ensuring that you get a reliable bike that won't break down soon after your purchase.

We also offer wide ranging financing options, which can be a significant advantage for buyers who can't pay for the bike in full. Private party sellers usually require cash payments, which can be difficult to come up with.

Additionally, we have a reputation to maintain and will be honest and transparent about the condition of the bike. We have a team of Certified Master Technicians who can answer any questions you have, possibly provide information about the bike's service history (not all the time), and ensure that the paperwork is in order, such as proper title information.

Finally, dealerships provide after-sales service, including maintenance and repairs. Private party sellers usually won't offer this service, leaving you on your own to find a mechanic and pay for any repairs. Sometimes, hidden items can be present that you did not know about or were not disclosed at time of purchase from a private party.

In summary, while buying a used Harley Davidson from a private party might seem like a good deal, it's often riskier and more complicated than buying from a dealership. The peace of mind that comes with purchasing from Rattlesnake Mountain HD, coupled with our onsite 150 units and otherwise 1000 unit-wide selection, financing options, and after-sales service, make it the better choice for most buyers.

Visit the Rattlesnake Mountain Harley Davidson Pre-Owned Online Inventory Showroom