Modern Vespa

Hello MV - I just placed a deposit on a BV350 IE (black/silver) earlier today. My first scooter. The dealer is working on my "out the door" price and I should be riding in a few days. Can't wait!

My question is, should I purchase a 2nd and or 3rd year of warranty? I'll be a recreational rider and am fanatical about preventative maintenance.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

Welcome to the forum!

You put down a deposit without knowing the price?

I am not an advocate of extended warranties. My philosophy is that if there is a manufacturer's defect it will be revealed rather early in the life of the machine.

I did much due diligence on Piaggio and the BV350 before talking with my local dealer. Also, I test rode a BV350 and MP3 400 at another dealer. Decided on the BV350.

I gave the local dealer my parameters on the price with some options (top case, Givi 358A included) so that my out the door price fits within my budget.

I'm not a big fan of the whole "let me check with my manager" schtick, so I gave them my parameters and a small ($500) fully refundable deposit and made arrangements to speak in 2 days.

Appreciate the warranty info. I thought much of the same, but wanted to ask owners with experience with scooters in general and Piaggio in specific.

I think the MP3's are really great bikes; better than most will ever realize. That said, the BV 350 is a gem; I sold my GTS 250 and moved to the BV.

To some extent, I think that the warranty value is affected by the quality of your dealer, in that they are the arbiter (to some extent) of what is and what isn't a defect. I agree that most flaws will show in the first year.

In addition, the BV has the most modern version of Piaggio technology, but that said, Piaggio has been building this kind of bike, with this mechanical arrangement for years. I think that I would not pay a high price for an extended warranty, as I think the bikes are very well designed and put together.

I'm loving mine; hope yours hits you the same way.

Thank you for the input. I agree that the both the MP3 and BV350 are great bikes. I decided on the BV350 more for its touring features. The MP3 400 was heavier and less comfortable for my wife to ride with me. The big flashing yellow light at <5mph was a nuisance also when I test rode one.

Looking forward to riding my new BV350 home from the dealership...

maintenance has nothing to do with warranty. Additional warranty is for a peace of mind for manufacture failures that happen with all vehicles, Not normal day to day servicing. Like oil changes, belts , light bulbs, cables, tires , brakes pads.

This is my philosophy too. I've had my BV350 nearly 18 months now and am still smitten. Not only the ride, but I also like the style and tech specs. I haven't bought an extended warranty. It's a well engineered bit of kit, utterly "fit for purpose"..

Welcome to MV, the wonderful world of scootering, and also to us growing band of BV350 riding MVers.

Pics needed on this forum of course

John W.

I had a BV250 which I rode for 4 years without any problems. I have no doubt my BV350 will do the same Welcome to MV and enjoy your new "ride". 8)

I purchased an extended warranty when I bought an MP3 because I was uncertain of some of the mechanical and electronic complexity. I did not want to be left "holding the bag" in case of a major failure. On the other hand, the BV350 is mechanically fairly simple and is a low maintenance design. I did not think an extended warranty was necessary or a good investment.

I'm also in the camp of "don't buy the extended warranty". Generally they're not needed and is more of a money-making scheme for dealers. Another reason not to buy one is that dealer extended warranties don't allow you to use other dealers for those extended warranty repairs. You're stuck with that dealer. If you move to a new city or need your scooter serviced at another dealership, well, money was wasted on that extended warranty.

Against my better judgement I have purchased an extended on one vehicle in my life, a 2004 Nissan Titan, the first or second year of its production.

It was a Nissan branded warranty, and when push came to shove the exclusions and...other exclusions pretty much made it very inneffective for all but the most extreme potential failures.

The presentation of it's benefits at time of purchase, and the boilerplate I received for the policy later after purchasing it werent exactly...the same thing.

I suppose I could've pitched a fit, and got some type of refund, but frankly I negotiated the price of the warranty down so much on it, it wasnt a heart-breaker either way. At the end of the day, none of the repairs that vehicle ever needed were part of, or covered by that warranty policy.

For those that are considering an extended warranty program I would advise the following:

1) Make sure its a manufacturer's or at least nationally recognized underwriter

2) make certain, by more than word-of-mouth you understand whats covered, what's not covered, and what you are expected to do as an owner maintenance-wise in order to keep it in effect. (Some people arent willing or interested /able to keep up with the prescribed maintenance requirements as outlined in the policy in order to keep coverage in effect)

3) keep in mind that everything is negotiable, and that includes the cost of these types of policies. That said, compare the cost of the policy in today's money, to the maximum potential cost of even a major, even if not probable repair to determine if it's a bet you are willing to take....again in todays money.

I am also of the belief that most defects will appear during the first 12 months, (or 24 or 36 as some vehicle warranties provide)

That is all very good advice and much appreciated. I'll make sure I have a copy of those points with me for an EW discussion with the dealer.

Many Thanks!
Kevin

My default is to not by the warranty. The BV 350 is (by all accounts) a solid bike with no inherent design defects. There was nothing in the extended warranty that I thought the standard warranty didn't cover to my satisfaction.

So, I did not purchase the warranty but, if I was going to, I would buy the bike and then look into the extended warranty because there is always a grace period before you lose the option (usually at the end of the standard warranty). Looking at it as a separate purchase gives you a much better idea of what you are actually purchasing instead of confusing it with the standard warranty and also avoids the charged emotions of bundling it with a major purchase.

If I could and the price was affordable I would go for an extent on the warranty, some problems do not appear in the first year and for me it's a releaf to know that I have the warranty if a problem appears.

If we are talking about the Piaggio extended warranty, it is honored by all Piaggio dealers. If we are talking about some third party warranty - the terms are whatever is described in the agreement. I agree it would be silly to purchase an extended warranty that was valid only at a single local dealer.

Thanks again for all of the great info. I would only purchase a transferable Piaggio extended warranty (if I go that route).

Never ever, *ever* buy an extended warranty. Never have, never will.

Until I did. I made the exact split second decision that the seller of BV350 extended warranties wants. But I figure the value of the Fiddle II I traded in paid the warranty's cost, so I don't feel bad about it.

That's hilarious Syd! Sounds just like me. I don't have a trade in, so I'll have to be on my best behavior. Hoping to be riding by week's end.