Modern Vespa

I appreciate the help in looking at a scooter earlier this week, like everyone said to-I stayed clear. It just didn't feel right, which I think is a big part of making a buying decision.

Take for example when I asked another owner if his Vespa was fuel injected, and he didn't know, but said it was the same as the 2014 model. Seemed like an odd response to me.

I'd been watching another Vespa that has recently dropped in price. The seller actually had two listed (a 50, which sold tonight and a 150). So far, he's been very responsive, provided me with a bunch of additional photos, and even offered to deliver it if I purchased it.

From the photos it looks to be in great condition, with one minor blemish. Has 5,300 miles, both keys and believes he has all maintenance records. The most recent service was done in 2013 which he believes consisted of tune up, new rear tire and oil change and replaced the battery last fall. It includes the rear rack and a cover and is asking $2,200. Would $2,000 be a fair price? $1,800? Is there anything else to consider maintenance wise at this interval?

I can't say enough how much I appreciate the feedback you all offer!

I have no idea on pricing, but I think you'll need to add some information, like what model and year is the 150.

Oh yes that would be helpful wouldn't it?!

2007 lx150

And Vespa

I was gonna say "what else?" Then it occurred to me to ask if you've tried an LX to see if yer feet reach the ground. Just maybe that is not a good fit and you might be looking for another brand, something not as tall. I hate to poke holes in your thinking. Sorry.

High book value (excellent condition) for a 2007 LX 150 in your area is $2360 in Kelly Bluebook. NADA is $1925 - $2530. Sounds like the seller is being realistic in his asking price, but there may be some room for negotiation.

I always recommend test riding a used scooter before buying one. I found a nice 2011 LX150 on Craigslist. I wanted a fuel injected scooter and I was looking for over 6 months. I looked both on EBay and Craigslist. I test drove other scooters that looked nice with the pictures that were posted but the scooters had issues when driven. The one I bought was reasonably priced, low mileage, was never dropped and drove very smooth with no rattles. Blue Book and Nada are good sources to get a good ballpark figure for used scooters. I think you already know make sure you get the master key.

If it's the post I found on CL from Exeter then it looks OK from the one photo and limited description. It's going to need it's 6K service soon so it would not be unreasonable to either ask the seller to knock of $300 or perform the service prior to delivery.

Not to start MV WWIII but you might want to lift that floor mat and inspect for scratches.

I appreciate all the feedback! Even if I don't end up buying this one, each post has given me more things to look for and consider when searching.

It is the Exeter one! He did drop the price to $2000 and is eager to sell, but my brother has actually talked me out of it, even though I do think it's a good price. The thinking is I'll be able to find one with a little more accessories, like visor/trunk box/lower mileage, and I shouldn't just jump at the first good deal I find unless it's exactly what I want.

I was really hoping to know my class schedule by now, but since I haven't received a confirmation I may not even have my license until August, so I am going to hold off on my active searching for now until I at least know what class I'll be in.

Certainly your call. I, on the other hand, am one of those people that believe you should jump at the first good deal. Set criteria for what you want and what you think is a fair price, then act when you find it. The problem with always waiting for a better deal is that the one you want never comes along at the last minute as you might hope.

While I agree that it's wise to wait until the right bike finds you, please do keep in mind that the riding season in NH is going to start to gain momentum, and when that happens, if it has not already, the market for a used scooter will shift slightly in favor of the seller. The selection of used bikes might also diminish as people who are considering selling might opt to keep it for one more season.

I'd offer him $1900. Save a little, 5,000 miles isn't a lot of mileage considering it's age.

^^^ This!!

Don't wait so long that you lose the riding season, talk yourself out of it or keep waiting for the perfect thing and never buy!

You can add storage and accessories as you need them =)

Ugh yes all true! I talk myself out of things so easily! I would be upset though if I went and bought the scoot and then found out my class wasn't until August! I would have bought something to just sit in my driveway for the summer. I am really hoping I get the confirmation any day now so I can have a little more confidence when shopping.

Are there typically scratches under the mat? I'm genuinely curious, if the mat covers it, why would it be of concern?

Floor mats, side stands, and dark side tires are all things that MV people either swear by or swear at, and every time any of these subjects comes up, everybody has something to say.

So some folks say they're bad and some people say they're great. YMMV



By the way, so what if you buy the scoot now and, worst case, don't get to class until August. You can enjoy just having it, and enjoy that excitement of anticipation every time you look at it, and you can wax it (Lemon Pledge) and even pick up an accessory or two and install them.
Vrooom, vrooom!!

PS: Just make sure it's not too tall for you.

[quote="Dooglas"] ^THIS

I'll agree with my wife and the other posters in saying that "perfect" will never come along. If it's a bike you want, in a color you want or can live with, and there's no issues with it --> buy it.

You can add/delete accessories at will; everyone does with bikes.

NewtoScoot: Please forgive my curiousity (and for not knowing, I'm in Indiana), but are you not allowed to ride at all until you take the course and get your license?


I know everyone's different in how they learn and what feels comfortable for them. Here in IN you can rider with some restrictions after you take and pass the written exam. I was just thinking, it would give you a chance to become comfy with your scooter before you take your class.

You can ride smaller engines without a license, a 50cc I think does not require it.

But, I know absolutely nothing about riding anything with two wheels besides a bicycle. How to turn it on, how to change gears (do I need to change gears?), how to take turns (I'm actually pretty nervous about that) etc.

When I take the class, if I pass, I do not have to take the written or driver's exam, I go straight to the DMV for my license. I do not have to take the class to apply for the license.

There is also a learner's permit, which still requires a written test and a fee. And you can only drive in daylight. Technically, I could get that and practice, which would require taking time off work to sit for the test, whereas the class will be on the weekends.

If it turns out I'm not scheduled until August or later, it might be something for me to look into.

Well, although I did pass on this bike, I think the next time I see an ideal opportunity, I will take it. I just always second guess myself, it's a big decision

I'm a relatively new rider too =) It sounds like your laws may be like ours here in Indiana =) We don't have to wait for the written test to be scheduled, we can walk into our license branch and take it. If we don't take the class, there are driving-test sessions we can drop by at and take the driving test at that time. If we do take the class, it's part of the class. You're on one of the best resources I know of to help you with some of these things. Experience or/and the class can teach you the others =)

The age of Vespa's you're looking at are all automatics, so you don't have to use a clutch or change gears. ( Most MSF riding classes assume you're on a geared bike, or you ride their geared bikes, so they do talk about using the clutch, shifting, etc. )

As far as turning it on, you hold in one of the brake levers (I like the left one) and while pressing it, you press the red Electric Start button. After making sure that your kill switch is not set to make it not able to start!

If you buy from a dealer or a very kind seller (one reason, IMO to not go for a bargain basement price as they may not be willing ot be as helpful) they can show you around the scooter a bit =) Hopefully you find someone who can deliver it to you. Do you have a friend with their endorsement? Not only could they help by riding it home for you, they may have some pointers on riding to give you from their experience.

Turning? It takes practice! But before you practice, you can read about it (and you will when you take the class or if you're studying for your written test) and you can watch YouTube videos about it. But eventually you'll need to just practice.

Where are you in NH?

Money talks, carry $100 bills. Peel off $400 short of the ask. Straight face, and look him in the face. You'll be amazed. Have the additional 200 at the ready if he freaks. I'm amazed over the years by how many bite on the first try. But then I have middle eastern family, it's the way it works.

NightWing - Hillsborough County

tomjasz - I am awful at negotiations! I actually used what my brother told me to say to see if we could talk him down! I worry about offending someone by offering so low! But yes, you never know unless you try!

rdk - yes! A lot of great tips here! I've been spending a lot of time on the boards the last few weeks. Can't wait until I can offer something more than tips on buying lol!

Here in CA you the safety class is a way of satisfying the riding test requirement to be fully licensed.

However, as soon as you pass a written test you get a earner's permit where you can legally ride as long as it's NOT after darkl, with a passenger or on a freeway.

I rode way too many years with only that permit.

Knowing as little as you do about riding, almost nothing, your absolute best bet is to take the class and to use THEIR bike, whatever it is. You might have to learn how to shift gears, which you don't have to do on a modern scooter, but it won't hurt. If you can go watch a few classes before yours, you might get a heads up on the riding gear they require, like helmet, boots, armored jacket, whatever.

What you definitely, defiantly DON'T want is a friend or family member who is just going to yell at you and belittle you!! And let you damage YOUR scoot!

with your limited experience, I'd wait and take the class first to be sure it's everything you imagined. for some people the reality is more scarey and they end up not wanting a scooter. Take the class using their scoots so you don't mess yours up.