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P500 Help Purchasing a swamped 500

K

Ktthomas

Member
May 25, 2020
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13
Brookville, OH
Ownership

  1. 700-4
Need some advice. I am going to look at a Honda 500 today that has a "water damaged" title from Louisiana. I'm in Ohio. It appears it was bought through an auto auction with title in the name of insurance company. Current owner says he drained all the fluids multiple times and has had it for 6 months running with no problems. It's a 2016 with only 1400 miles on it. I like to think this machine has a lot of life left in it. Can you give me any tips on what to look for when I'm checking this thing over ?

thanks a bunch.
 
Robobrainiac

Robobrainiac

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Jul 15, 2020
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  1. 1000-5
Personally I would not even consider the machine unless you are prepared for any potential future issues. That means to me that you need to have the capability and knowledge to make repairs on any components of the machine. That also means the price tag needs to be significantly less than market value to ensure that any potential problems can be fixed and keep you under the price of a machine with a better history. Otherwise financially it's not worth your time.

There really isn't much you can do "look" and "confirm" no issue other than if the above mentioned concept is met and physically the machine looks good and mechanically runs GREAT then make the purchase and the moment it comes home drain ALL fluids and refill to confirm for yourself everything is good to go.

You can pull dip sticks and check for discoloration but it's not really going to guarantee anything until you completely drain it.

If there is a any worry about the machines longevity followed by any doubt in yourself of the capability of any repair then this machine is not for you.
 
crewcabrob

crewcabrob

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May 7, 2018
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A water damaged 2016 with a price tag of $5,700? New, that machine was only a few thousand more.

It wouldn't be worth it for me... the risk of it failing would be too great. Damaged electronics or a mechanical failure could be right around the corner. Water does crazy things... I don't think I could with good conscience buy it for me. Others might be more forgiving.

Rob
 
Robobrainiac

Robobrainiac

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  1. 1000-5
5700 feels fair for a machine in today's market. Is it worth that? That depends on the buyer. If I was standing there cash in hand I would offer 4500 and no more. Personally I would rather put the money towards a down payment on a new machine. Even if it was a new 520.

5000 down on a new 520 with a 3 year term should put you around 150 per month.
 
KYhillbilly

KYhillbilly

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Jan 4, 2017
547
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Ashland, KY
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  1. 500
Most likely flooded in the Hurricane last year, my daughter was living there at the time and there was a lot of flooded cars/atv's, sxs's and boats on the market. Do you know what area it was in, fresh would be much less harmful than salt water on it. I would say $4K is a good price and be ready to work on things that pop up.
 
CumminsPusher

CumminsPusher

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Oct 14, 2015
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  3. Talon X LV
All depends on length of time under water and salt or fresh. To be completely honest I wouldn’t worry a ton and probably get it myself if I was in the market. For a decent price though. But look at it, maybe pull seat and look for rust starting in, moisture in the instrument cluster and things like that. Make sure someone didn’t cover up anything with paint or undercoating, easy to tell around bolts usually.
If it was just sitting there and got flooded is probably easier on it then the guys constantly driving through deep water as bearings and joints aren’t moving which water would have a little more difficulty penetrating. Hell some of the machines that are road use only in high road salt areas I think I’d trust less. Look it over.
 
Remington

Remington

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$5700. I own a 700. It has served me well. I've replaced a few things on it but it really hasn't needed any work.
I pd that for a used 15’ P5 4yrs ago not swamped.
Thats great about you P7 but 2 differnt machines and not been swamped/flooded whatever u may want to call it. Id offer 3k u can always go up.
 
P

pappyo

Well-Known Member
Dec 19, 2013
586
2,326
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As indicared by others Not Much to Check. ( Check the JD POWER<> BOOK VALUE )
" Good Price" <> would be <>" BELOW " LOW BOOK!!
Any vehicle with Tainted Title takes a BIG HIT in Value

When water is in the Mix <> True Details of any damagd Does Not Imediately Show Up
After some miles are put on Exspensive Problems May show up bearing / bushings / piston cylendar & rings to name a few.

Here in upstate N.Y. With Good Title <> 2017 <> 2018 <> 2019 sell for $ 7000.00 to $ 8500.00 depending on condition/ miles & accessories.
 
Last edited:
Bighat

Bighat

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Nov 25, 2021
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  1. 1000-3
No way, stay away. Way to close to new price. Even at $4500 it's not cheap enough. Put your money on a new one. Think about it. I know guys that have Honda 4-wheelers that are first ones made. If you buy new and sell it down the road you'll get good money out of it if you take care of it.
 
Bighat

Bighat

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Gallipolis Ohio
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  1. 1000-3

2022 PIONEER 500​

BASE MSRP: $8,599
Tooltip Asterik


Destination Charge: $685.00

Freight Surcharge: $200.00
 
K

Kilroy

Well-Known Member
Apr 1, 2016
92
284
53
Missouri
I bought my 2015 500 in 2016 and only paid $5901 for it. New 16 models were around $7500 at that time. Current value on a used 16 model is $7900 (Kelley Blue Book) to $8400 (NADA)

I definitely would not pay over $4000 for one that has been in a flood. I probably wouldn't offer $3000. Anytime you have a prior salvage title the price is a lot lower than one with a completely clean title.
 
HBarlow

HBarlow

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  2. Talon X
Why would you consider traveling from OH to LA to buy a questionable machine with a salvage title and history of submersion in water and pay fair market value for an ordinary used machine with a clean title and no history of submersion in water?

An insurance company will only declare an insured vehicle a total loss and pay for replacement when the cost of repairs exceeds value of the machine. Insurance companies have long histories of experience with flood damaged vehicles. They know to cut their losses and move on.

Even if that machine is running good today all the mechanicals and wiring harnesses have been underwater. Future corrosion and related component failures is a certainty not a possibility.
 
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