Looking to pull the trigger but need some advice

[Timebomb7585]

Going to look at a 2003 620ie this week and I need a lil help. Bike has 12.5K miles, service history (new belts, valves adjusted etc) but has "slight oil leak from the rear cylinder base gasket". Is this something I should be concerned about? I'm a new rider but I will be taking along a buddy who has been riding for years to help me out. I'd welcome any advice you can offer this newbie. 

[Howie]

If it is the "famous base gasket leak"  the opportune time to fix it would have been at the 12K service.  It is also possible the leak is from the breather.  A good cleaning, then a ride followed by a post ride inspection should confirm the source of the leak.  Spray foot powder can help.  You probably wouldn't do this until after you buy the bike.  If the leak is typical you could live with it for a while.   If you do buy the bike you want to consider the cost of repair in what you are willing to pay.
 

[xcaptainxbloodx]

how good of a deal is it?

as howie said, it could be the breather. those break pretty easy and are pretty cheap and easy to replace. the breather will be behind the vertical cylinder on the right hand side. it threads into the cases, is black and has a hose coming off of it. give the hose a gentle tug as though you were trying to pull the breather out and see if it separates at all.

if it does, cut his price lower as though its "another thing wrong" and be fairly comfortable in the idea that it is what he perceived to be a base gasket leak and is in fact a part you can pick up on ebay under 30$ and replace with a strap wrench and a screwdriver.


if its the base gasket you will want to have a local shop do a pre purchase inspection to determine what the full story with the bike is and how pressing the need to fix the leak is. they can also give you their thoughts on the price to make sure you are getting a fair deal.

[Timebomb7585]

Thanks for the info! He was asking $300 over KBB. Turns out the bike sold last night. I'm starting to realize these bikes get snapped up quick. I had appointments to go see 2 this week and they both sold before I could get a chance to look at them. Guess I gotta be quicker next time.

[matt922]

kbb is usually pretty "out" there with prices, so i'll assume more than 4k.  I would not pay more than 4k for a 620.

[Timebomb7585]

Asking price was $3600. When you say KBB is "out there", how much (if at all) should I take it into consideration?

[DucDodgers]

If you are patient you can grab a good deal. A few years ago I got my 620 in pristine condition with a maintenance record that bordered on OCD, it was 4 yrs old with under 4k miles for 4 grand. I searched forever and I held off until winter to buy just a new models were being announced. 

[matt922]

Asking price was $3600. When you say KBB is "out there", how much (if at all) should I take it into consideration?

$3600 doesn't sound too bad, but if you will compare KBB to NADA values. 

[Timebomb7585]

NADA & KBB were within $50 of each other. In general how reliable are these values in the "real world"?