NADA vs KBB vs REALITY

[gutzi]

Greetings all,
I am in the market for a used MG California of some type and year.  I used to have a 2003 Stone, but had to sell because of extended layoff.  Want to get another Guzzi, and so I am looking.   While not wanting to create any great debate, I am curious as to the state of used bike prices.  Looking at KBB and NADA guides, are these anywhere close to reality?  Thanks

[Kev m]

They get you roughly in the ballpark on major brands, but pancake mean little to a niche brand like MG.

But it's easy to figure it out for yourself by watching eBay and the classifieds here.

[mjptexas]

I typically add the retail & trade-in prices together and divide by 2.  I'd hesitate to pay more that for a bike from a private party.

Kevin is spot on regarding the niche brand bikes. 

People selling Guzzis seem to fall into 3 categories:

1) Clueless as to what a Guzzi is - offer trade-in price in cash
2) Guzzi fan that is very proud of their bike, thinking it's the finest example on the planet - walk away.  You'll never get a decent deal.
3) Guzzi fan that wants their baby to go to a good home (another Guzzi fan) They'll usually tell you everything they know about the bike - offer the price I mentioned earlier & be ready to go a little higher.