Wich would be the better buy, KLR650 2004 or 2008

[KDSA]

Hi to you all,
I have to decide now wich one of these bikes I should buy?
There is a 2004 KLR 650 with 25600Km on the clock and a 2008 model with 39000km. Both bikes cost around 5200Aus$ wich is here in Australia an alwright price if you go to a dealer. And I have to buy from a dealer because I do not have all the cash so a private deal is out of the question for me.
Is it better to go with the bike with the lower km, or you guys recken that app. 15000k`s more of the clock would not make the difference?
Hope you can give me some hints and advice also for what to look out for!
Cheers Klaus!

[markharf]

Buy the one which has been better cared for. 15,000 km wear and tear is mere background noise compared to the damage which can be done by running a dirty or damaged air filter or failing to change the oil a lot. Find out whether the doohickey has been done on the 2004 or the doohickey spring on the 2008. Look for any signs of negligence in basic maintenance (chain, sprockets, fork oil). If everything else is equal, buy on the basis of upgrades, a.k.a. farkles: protectors, skid plates, luggage racks, maintenance free batteries, upgraded headlights, horns, fuses and switches can easily run a couple of thousand dollars.

If the economy there is half as bad as it is here, negotiate hard.

Hope that helps.

Mark

PS: Sounds expensive, though. A seven year old bike with reasonable mileage on it really costs the same as a brand new one here in the USA?

[KDSA]

Thanks Mark,
alot of good ideas.
And yes the prices here in Oz are a bit over the top but what can you do?
Well I found also a 2004 for about 3700Aus$ but that had already almost 70000K`s on the clock and on top of it the coulor is pink.
So not realy my choice!
Klaus!