The Hondas are nice bikes, and run great, but they are not a Harley. You have to ask yourself, do you just want a nice bike, or do you want a nice bike that is a Harley? I don't look down on the metric bikes, the Japanese make a heck of a ride. For myself, I always wanted a Harley, and the size of the Sportster really appealed to me.
As for the price, it seems like a pretty good deal. But right now, there are a lot of good deals out there on used Harleys and it seems Sportsters are the bulk of Harleys available.
BTW; your Honda dealer is lying about leaking Harleys. If you decide on a Honda, find a different dealer.

 

Plus tax, tags, setup and freight. Then tack on pipes, SERT or PC3, labor and your're talking 11-12k out the door for a 1200C. Go used and pocket the change

 

I have purchased both of my Harley's used. The RK still had almost a year left on an extended warrentee, which made me feel good. The Sportster, I just got about a month ago. Its a 2005, 1200C with a lot of extras, paid $6500, but it had 9400 miles on it. The deal you are looking at seems OK to me.

 

buying used can save you money , but the feeling of a brand new bike is priceless. i would rather have payments for a year or so longer , and have a brand new bike , rather than saving a couple of thousand on a 3 or 4 year old bike., but that's just me.