Roger That.
Happy Hunting.
BTW, You haven't been looking for them so look around some the one you want will come around. No not soon enough for the misses. Right now your the practical one (smart). She will appreciate the wait when she has the one she really wants.

Did you check out the Marketplace section?  I think I saw a topic requesting Savages for sale in FL.  I bought my 2002 (mostly stock) w/less than 11,000 miles on it for $2200.00 here in central IL.  There was another 2002 available locally for $2500 that had a windshield & saddlebags with a bit higher mileage on it.  I'm happy with the deal I found, so keep searching your lady will love it!

Incidentally I learned to ride on a Rebel in the MSF course, I find the Savage to be a better fit & way more comfortable.

PGMan - phone the guy in 2 weeks and offer him 500 bucks. What you are describing is all cosmetics - and easily repaired/replaced shined polished and cleaned up.

I have a 1989 that I bought in 1999 for $1500 = best motorcycle money I ever spent -

So sorry the wife is disappointed - but it is likely the right bike for her - wait the two weeks and give it a shot - nothing ventured nothing gained

I gave a deposit once for a car, that was a big mistake.  Took me a month to get it back.  I gave him a check and he said he wouldn't cash it.  The next day I called and told him I had a better deal send me my check.  Oh we cashed it.

Besides, the last thing you want to do is look excited.  Like posted above, go in, look around, be totally dissatisfied with what's there (wrong color, too big, too small, wrong tires, terrible chrome) make him an offer way too low and walk out.  Call in a week or 2 and see if it's still there.  Meantime, tell the wife to get in back and stop screaming.  

I did this once cause I wasn't ready to buy a car, still shopping.  They said ok to my lowest offer cause I was walking.  I still wish I'd found out what their next pitch was.

The moral to this story is... as long as you have the money, you have the advantage.  Give them even a little bit, and they got you.  And don't give them your license either!  For some reason, they like to hold it while they're talking to you.

Well, I found the perfect ride for the Mrs.  It is a 2003 and it has 2800 miles on it.  It had its first "normal" oil change early (right before I bought it) and all the original service records were intact (break-in oil change, adjustments, etc.).  She took a ride on it and immediately said she loved it.  I think this was probably the best thing to do - all the older ones I looked at were pretty well worn.  I am trying to get a tachometer for it, though.  The thing is so quiet that she can't always tell what gear she is in.  I also mentioned that there are options for exhaust but she doesn't want a loud bike so the tach is probably the best option.

I must admit that this bike is a blast to ride.  My Marauder definitely has more attitude and sound effects but the Savage just quietly goes about its business - and quickly.  I found myself laughing out loud as I twisted the throttle full bore in second gear (from around 15 MPH) - this thing just takes off - whomp, whomp, whomp!  It is definitely an awesome choice for people of smaller stature, and those that are not comfortable on a heavier cruiser.  It is amazing that, though the seat height on my Marauder is actually a tiny bit LOWER than the Savage, the width of the frame and the weight balance made all the difference to her.  She is thrilled (and so am I)!  Thank you, everyone for your help and suggestions.  I wil be around.

Noticed several tachs on eBay in the savage section, Max

Yep, absolutely correct on all points.