Modern Vespa

Hi, I'm thinking about buying a 2010 Vespa, GTS 300 but the Vespa has about 380 miles on it, therefore never had its 600 mile service.

Are there any special considerations here in terms of how I should approach this?

or should I just ride 300 more miles and do the service?

No.... Why would it be an issue. I got my 2009 GTV 250ie with just under 500 miles on it. It's been great.

I dont know, i guess im paranoid.

i read a post the other day of some guy on here buying a vespa that had been sitting for a long time and it stranded him in the middle of nowhere. guess im just paranoid.

The first service isn't really time related. It's just an opportunity to change the factory-supplied oil (and drain any little bits of flash that might have been in the crank case), tighten some things up, and generally inspect the bike. I don't think there's anything to be worried about, so long as the first service eventually gets done.

I would make sure this one has had the fuel pump replaced, if it was covered by the recall.

Have it checked out. Hopefully it wasn't sitting with fuel in it. Change the filters, put fresh fuel and oil in it and I am sure you will need a new battery. I got mine from a dealer so it was prepped, but really, that should be a great scooter. I still ride it like I was breaking it in, but really... It should be fine. It's bit an infant.

If it is one that was recalled, will the dealer do it for free even though I bought the vespa used?

I believe so.

If you're buying it from a proper dealer (with a service center), that dealer should have given it a checkup for the sake of their own reputation. I bought my 06 BV with 1700 miles on it. Even though it was being sold on consignment, the dealer still gave it a once over and connected the light on my top box (at time of purchase) when I noticed that it was not working.

Anyway, they said it runs like a clock and all is still good. It even had that smell that Piaggio's and Vespa's have when they have before they are broken in.

I bought my 2010 GTS 300 last summer second hand with 650 miles. I called the dealer in Rogers AR to check the VIN and they changed the fuel pump right out because of the recall.

Run the vin with any of the MV Vespa sponsors. Done. If the price is right, bob's your uncle.

Remember who helped.

The only thing to really worry about is if someone else buys it first. If the price is right, grab it!

These very-low-mileage scooters that have been sitting in someone's garage for a few years show up on the market quite often. They're usually impulse purchases -- or intended as gifts -- and the owners never get comfortable with riding them. It can be an opportunity for a great deal.

I got such a deal almost five years ago when I bought my 2007 LX150 with 312 miles on it for $2750. It was 1-1/2 years old at the time and had sat totally unused in a garage for over a year. It still started after a battery charging, but wouldn't idle or rev because of stale fuel clogging the carb.

Fresh gas in the tank and some SeaFoam in the first few tankfuls and it soon ran like a champ!

Stale fuel problems and a battery that may have been ruined from being allowed to go totally flat are likely the extent of the problems for a Vespa that has sat unused indoors for 3 years. It would probably be wise, though, to examine all of the rubber parts (especially tires and hoses) for cracking or other deterioration, as exposure to ozone from a nearby furnace motor or such can cause premature deterioration.

If the price is good, get it. There is always some risk, as was said, these low mile scoots show up often. I just got a 2007 with 700 miles. I had a problem with a bad voltage regulator, other than that so far it has been fine for my first 800 miles. Mine was up and running at purchase, if that is the case for you the odds are in your favor, a 3 y/o Vespa is almost new.

Worry? Yes. Only if you don't run to the dealer to snag this one. Sounds like a great deal. Enjoy. All of the above advice seems right on the money.

I bought my white LX with less than 600 miles on it and it was 2 years old. Guy bought it for his wife who decided not to ride it.

Took it to the dealer and had a few minor issues fixed along with the 600 mile checkup.

Ran like a champ. Sold it and got my current LXV.

would you guys pay 5700-6000 for a 2010 GTS 300 with 400 miles?

can't decide if i sholud pull the trigger

I bought my gts with 300 miles on the odo. I just rode another 300 and then did the 600 mile service.

But I didn't say brilliant...

Bought mine for $4700. 2010 GTS 300 Super with 800 miles on it in like new condition this was about a year ago.

I let it go, i decided that $2k it was too much premium to pay with 250s on the market for ~3500

I picked up my 2008 LX 150 with 333 miles for a mere $1800 last year which also sat inside a NYC parking garage. A couple hundys later and she runs like a champ. Sometimes she idles like a grumpy whore but I gather that's my fault from a few gas over spills. Next step is to tear out that EVAP system. I say go for it, since the bike is relatively brand new even if a few years have elapsed. Happy hunting!

Buy it...now! I purchased my 09' LX150 off of craig'slist with 233 miles on it from a guy who thought he was going to ride it.....but didn't. He had a battery tender on it from the day he bought it, and had the first service done at 109 miles! I think he kept it in his living room, but what a great guy, and a great find for me! Haven't put a lot of miles on it yet, but so far it's beyond my expectations! From the moment I met the man and saw the bike, I had no reservations about buying it. Buy it, and ENJOY !

I would add this, if the deal is good and by that I mean 30% or more off new, well then sure. The point of buying a low milage "used" Scooter is to get a deal, if they are asking close to "new" price then it is really not a deal. I was at my local Vespa Dealer the other day and they have an older like less than 100 miles MP3 I think they want like $4,000 I think that's like 35% or 40% less than new, seems like a worthy gamble. If they are only offering a savings of 10% or so what's the point, buy new. Keep your eyes open, there are times when the deal is just too good to pass up. Still check the value at Kelly's Blue Book for sure they list a wholesale and retail price so you should be able to get a good idea of it's value based on the model and year. I'm willing to pay up to full retail (current value not new bike value) for a "like new" bike with under 1,000 miles. Still any vehicle takes a major depreciation hit when it is sold or sits on the dealers lot for a few years. That depreciation value belongs in "your" pocket, that is the deal. Also remember this is THE time of year to SELL a scooter, while the winter usually is THE time to buy. Good luck

Probably an impulse purchase, and wasnt as much fun to the owner as imagined it would.
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