Modern Vespa

Hello! Even though I haven't taken my course yet, I've been keeping my eye on the local market for a 150. A local one has been on craigslist for a month, and recently reduced the price and included -or best offer - in the listing. I don't want to pass up a good deal just because I can't drive it yet!

Midnight Blue 2007 Vespa LX150. $2099 or best offer.

In a very good condition - new battery, sparkplug and and a Vespa helmet size small. Has 6386 miles, Always kept in a garage, Has some scratches (see pictures).

From the pictures, I can't tell how bad the scratch is, but it doesn't look like it's deeper than the paint. It includes the windshield and cargo box. He states he completed the maintenance, so no records. He is the second owner and added about 1,200 miles in 3 years.

Is there anything else I should ask? What would be a reasonable offer if everything checks out? Most 150s from 07-09 have been listed for around 2,900 up here so I am a bit curious why it hasn't sold, is it fishy?

Alternately there's a 2010 with 4k miles for $2,800, just includes a rack so I'd have to spend a bit on those additional accessories. I would not want to be higher than $2,500 max.

Appreciate the input, I may be asking a lot of questions but I spend a lot of time during the day reading through all the posts, soaking it all up!!

Hard to say without seeing in person. It's got 3 ugly extra "Vespa" stickers on it, maybe they are hiding something. Any chance it could be a flood/hurricane rebuilt bike?


This one I'm assuming?
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/4414430611.html

You guys have lots of cool looking vintage stuff up there on CL.
You should buy this and send it to me!
http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/4452044908.html

This too
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/mcy/4449242239.html

That's the one, here is a picture after I requested an image of the scratch. I think it's the part in front of the Vespa logo....but it also looks like a reflection of trees and the sky, so it's hard to tell.

I think it's one of those instances where if it looks to good to be true... (though I am fine with buying one with a scratch as it's my first one)

I'd love this one! But it's too far a drive, and too $$
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/mcy/4442020259.html

You should check out the Maine listings, lots of 'vintage' there!

That is more then a 'scratch' for something that is also listed in 'excellent' condition. I think the asking price it too high for that kind of damage. It looks like it was dropped.

The fact that you had to request that photo is suspect. I'd pass on that one.

Wow, yeah!

If you look at the original listing, he doesn't show that side of the bike at all!

One important thing to remember is the Vespa frame is a one piece metal frame, so you cannot simply replace a side panel like you can a car bumper. If that cowl is dented as well as scratched, then the damage might be worse then it looks.

It's cool to be willing to accept a bike that has some imperfections and some scratches, but it's still YOUR NEW scooter, and $2K is a lot of moolah.

Your first ride doesn't have to be perfect, but it's not unreasonable to want it to look relatively damage free!