Modern Vespa

Can you please comment on restoration and asking price. I don't want any Vietnam jobs. Thanks

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/mcy/3903966946.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/mcy/3896686971.html

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/3903980448.html

The third one in Hoboken is for sure the real deal but too much money for me.

If you have the budget call Scooters Originali. They're in your general area and can point ypou in the right direction.

The only thing I'd buy out of that lot is the MINI Cooper pictured in the first ad.

First looks like a nammer.

Second probably not. Seems like a reasonable price.

Third definitely not a nammer. Overpriced IMHO.

If they are untitled your looking at least another $300 or more.

I felt the hoboken was too high. He is taking appointments as an open house. I didn't know it was that nice of a scoot or well priced.

I did contacted Gene t scoot originale on FB and he said to look for scoot.net to be sure I don't get an Asian one. I was hoping to get a 1960's 150 that runs and have him restore it.

That isn't cheap. Their work is really good and yoou pay for it, so take your time finding the right project.
....if that's really your plan.

By the way if you get the allstate(lower price) you can put a 150 or 200 in it.

8" wheels and 200cc's is the shit.

as stated the first is a bodge. Those specific "crashbars" are a dead giveaway.

The second is probably a bodge as well, quite a few things not right (chrome flare at the back of the fender and body, leg shield trim looks to continue along the floorboards, rack under pillion is chrome and off a super, curry hook and glove box on a VBB...)

1 & 2 are bodges, 3 kinda pricey...

The reasonable price threw me on #2.

Though not a certain giveaway, the odd shaped license plate holders on 1 & 2 are for non-US market, and should always raise your warning flag instincts.

Bodge or no bodge, I'm not all that good at telling from a couple of pictures (others have Bodge specific ESP).

The best thing you can do (ok best two things) is:

1) Ask a lot of technical questions. Someone who wrenches on their own scoot (or pays someone else to do it) can tell you what carb, what jets, whether it's kitted or not, that kind of stuff. If you get straightforward answers to these kind of questions, it usually (I said usually)) means they have nothing to hide. Also, the more history they can give you, the better. Even if they are upfront about flipping scooters quickly, someone who has owned/wrenched/ridden their scooter is a good person to buy from.

2) If you like what you see and hear, ask the seller to meet you at a reputable shop to have it inspected. Yeah, it'll cost you from $50 to $100 (depending on the shop), but if the mechanic knows what he's doing, there won't be any surprises after you purchase. The reputable shop can be a Vespa dealer or a guy everyone in town knows and trusts and wrenches on scooters in his garage and always has 2 or 3 for sale.

One last thing.... the best scooters (IMO) to be looking for are simple dependable daily/weekend riders. You find someone selling one of those, and they will usually be honest about their scoot, both the good and bad. The more "bad" stuff you hear, the more you may feel that you can trust the seller (like cowls resprayed due to scratches, seat needs to be redone, the headlight switch is sticky). When all you hear is good stuff, the "perfect, 100 miles since restoration" lines, then you have to be wary.

Hope this helps. And yes, I bought my scooter from a guy who posted it on Craigslist (after getting no bids on eBay).

60's 150's you definitely have to be on guard, read the bodge spotting thread, and the sticky at the top of this forum, and scooterlounge has a good buyers guide. If you are flexible on the model, a 70s or 80s P200E is a great bike, as there are an abundance of American market P's out there. Parts are abundant and cheap. They are quick and reliable (as a vintage 2 stroke can be). Also the 70's supers, rallies, and small frames are a good choice. They are more likely to be US market (except for the supers, which an be SEA). Anyway, really do your homework and think about how often when and where are you going to be using the scoot. Remember also that this is an involved ownership. A vintage scooter is not going to be like a honda civic ever. Also be patient, and at the same time ready to put the cash in hand if you come across a good deal. Good Luck!