Modern Vespa

I'm probably not going to pull the trigger right now, but the answers I get will impact my decision, whether now, or later.

I've got my eye on a 2010 GTS 300 Super in super fast red, with a top case and rear crash bars. It has under 2K on the odometer, and the asking price is $3,500. Located about 10 miles from home. Add $210 in sales tax plus whatever a licence plate will cost (probably under $100).

On the other hand, there's a dealer about 2.5 hours away has a sale on new 2019 models for $5,500-5,800, depending on the model. A white GTS 300 Super is $5,799...out the door for a few dollars under $7,000. There are a few other colors available. It's the closest dealer with any GTS 300s in stock. I have a truck, so transport is not an issue.

I can't finance the 2010, so my savings would be impacted. The 2019 can be easily financed and paid off slowly @ 4.25%.

Which one would you buy?

Does the 2019 come with the HPE motor is that just the 2020 models? If theres the option for the HPE motor, I'd go with that one in a heartbeat.

I was in a similar situation. Looking at used GTS's vs New. I actually considered a few new old stock 2018's at a $1500 discount. I decided to go new and get a warranty along with the latest and greatest Vespa has to offer, including new HPE engine.

Back to your 2010 used vs 2018 new, the 2010 at $3800 is a very good price, especially with equipment that it comes with. The 2019 you get the warranty and more importantly ABS and Traction Control which you will appreciate on slippery surfaces.

In the end, buy what makes you feel the most comfortable.

Good luck,

Rick G

Look at it this way. If you finance a new scooter your savings will be impacted even more. And if you don't have enough saved to buy the scooter now, best to wait a while.

...I'm beginning to sound like my Dad...

JKJ-FZ6 is a well known rider and friend. He is infinitely wiser than I am and
I expect a much better money manager. It would serve you well to follow his
advise and not mine.

The heck with you JKJ-FZ6. Buy the new one.

I did the same thing at the end of the riding season in 2013 and bought my
dragon Red GTS Super. Vespa and the dealer were discounting them to make way for the new model year. It was a impulse buy. I took the available dealer financing - but, paid it off in six months.

Good luck in your decision.

Bob Copeland
Frost Bite Falls Minnesota

Make sure that with the 2019 you are factoring in any freight charges and any dealer prep charges and "doc" fees. Freight is a legitimate charge since the dealer has to pay it. There is plenty of debate about prep and doc fees, but suffice it to say that you should make sure you are correctly taking the out the door price for a 2019 into account.

If you're not going to do it right away, start by making monthly payments to yourself in a savings account. If you wait till spring, you'll have saved up a decent amount towards either the purchase of an old one or the down payment on a new one.

Either way, you win!

I would opt for the one that doesn't have the need for financing. With "toys" (granted, big boy's toys like boat, motorcycle/scooter, guitar) are best to buy with cash. You can enjoy the item without any "monthly reminder" of how long you will be paying on it.

Build your savings back up by "making a payment to yourself" each month.

I have paid cash for most of my bikes. But for my new 2020 GTS I took the financing on my as I am expecting a decent bonus at end of year and will pay it off.

However IMHO, if you can afford the monthly payments go for it. Forget the sensible and smart guys. Bikes and Scooters are purchases of emotion. As long as you aren't going broke, buy what makes you look in the garage on rainy days just to gaze at her.

But of course, I have been wrong before. LOL

Rick G

Make the 10 mile drive tomorrow! Bring $3000 in cash with you and see if you come home with a new friend in the back of your truck. =

This☝️

If I were you I 'd buy the new bike. Also, HPE came to the US as a 2020 model

I don't think a non HPE is worth $4000 (after interest) more. If it was a 2020 with HPE that would be a tougher decision.

Why not finance a toy?

Seriously, I get it that many folks want to be totally debt free, but, couple thoughts.

First, if you have a mortgage, you have debt. Finance a Vespa at 4.5% or something like strikes me as a good deal.

And then there's the thought that financing something at a very low rate, frees up cash to do other things, like invest in something that (risk alert) *should* return at a higher rate than the finance charge.

I'm not suggesting we all go max out our mortgages and invest in the stock market, but if you are otherwise good financially, go get that loan!

On the other hand, if you have outstanding credit card debt at 20%, well this is where I get all errmm.... Maybe not.... But even then, it's not mine to direct.

The LXV but not the GTV

My rule is ; no toy's on time !

I don't think $3500 is such a great deal for a scoot that is nearly 10 years old, despite the fact it has low miles, top box and crash bars. You also have to consider that it might need new tyres and servicing which then bumps the price to over $4000. It might have had one or two careful owners, but how can you be sure? That's a lot of money to pay only to find out later that it needs more expense spent on it other that the usual consumables.

Buying a new scooter gives you 2 years of worry and maintenance free motoring.

I think the USA warranty is only 1 year.

Kind of a moot question for the right now since you're not buying now and the used one will probably be sold when you are ready to buy.

IF the 2010 is mint and doesn't need anything, it's a good deal at $3K if he comes down to that. Looking at it from a financial standpoint, which I never do w/r/t toys, you'd come out ahead buying the 2010.

YOU need to decide if the $4K financial hit is worth buying the new one to get a one year warranty and maybe a few years less worry for things to break, but as we know, there's no guarantees after the first year. If it were me, and the scooter is a recreational toy and not my every day only transportation everywhere, I'd get the 2010.

I realize this is all highly variable, but I did a new old stock (2018) Super Sport at the local dealer for just under $6,800 out the door, put about half down and they got me 0% for 3 years. Under those circumstances, I had them put the sales tax (in my case about $550) in the note and the payment is just over a C-Note per month.

Point being, press your dealer to shop your loan, if that's the route you're considering, and let 'em know you're exploring your options. I'd bet they'll work harder on a leftover model with the winter coming up...

I just noticed that the OP is in Michigan. If you can, go to Fox Motorsports in Grand Rapids. That is where I saw the new left over 2019's for about $6000 out the door. I believe the Vespa Shop south of Detroit had a few as well.

Good luck,

Rick G

They also have a 2018 Super Sport for $6,800 out the door. And a 2018 Sport demo for $6,500 out the door.

It's the end of riding season here in Michigan, which I'm sure is why they are priced so low. Here are a few other factors: I don't have my cycle endorsement yet. I'm planning to take the first class available next spring at the community college. Also it's not a great time to try to sell my 2 scooters.

My potential plan was to take advantage of the great deals now (or maybe wait a few months for an even better deal?). Finance through the credit union at 4.24%, then in the spring put the proceeds from the sales of my existing scooters right back at the loan. I'm guessing my 2 scooters should be able to bring in around $3,500.

Or maybe I'll just wait until I take the course in the spring, then try to find a new/used GTS of my liking, rather than look at a brand new scooter I can't ride all winter long.

"Or maybe I'll just wait until I take the course in the spring, then try to find a new/used GTS of my liking, rather than look at a brand new scooter I can't ride all winter long."

It looks like you just answered your own question, and that's what I'd be doing in your shoes. In the meantime, as suggested above, sock some dollars away each month to assist in your eventual purchase and you'll be that much more ready.

It'll be here before you know it!

Buying a depreciating asset to immediately park for 6 months doesn't sound like a great move. Wait til you get your M license.

That used bike with under 2K for $3500 is a good value, with the extras. But it should be inspected closely, check it over carefully and ask for service records. And try to bring that price down a bit.

The downside is the tires would likely need to be replaced soon (they're probably the originals), and has it been ridden regularly. Machines meant to move don't like to sit.

Frankly, I don't know enough about your finances to guide you in that respect with regard to the scooter. I don't know your age, income, number of dependents, savings cushion, retirement savings, pension outlook, expenses, debt load, etc. If you feel you can afford a scooter, go for it!

I recommend the new scooter with it's warranty and ABS/ASR(traction control). I'd also be wary of a scooter that is almost 10 years old with only 2000 miles, unless maintenance records are available and thorough. Did the owner do only one service (the break-in service) this whole time? Maybe they didn't even bother with that first service? Or was the owner a maintenance freak who changed the oil yearly and the brake fluid and coolant every two years? And it could be a challenge to get that rear suspension swing arm off when it comes time to put on the new tires (if it's never been off before).

There is no wear like new wear...

I purchased my GTS250 when it was 10 years old, in perfect condition, with 4k miles and flat spots on the tires. I paid $2450 for it and after replacing the tires I rode it for 6k miles before doing anything. So if you get the 2010 bike offer $2500 and be willing to walk away leaving only your phone no. Especially this time of year!
Tony in Tn

My User ID says it all (and is actually about 10 bikes behind); I'd go with a used bike over new every time. My Silverwing and GT200 COMBINED, with necessary safety repairs and checks, didn't total $6000, much less $7000.

You presented the group with a binary choice of a 2010 used bike or a brand new one. It's entirely possible that a much newer (used) GT300 will show up this winter. Suppose you were talking about a 2014 or a lightly used 2018 (assuming no ESS models) for $2-3 thousand less? Does that change the math?

Just my .02. YMMV.

I appreciate all the responses. It looks like I'll buy nothing right now. I'll keep an eye out for that smoking hot deal I can't pass up this winter. But I'll probably wait until I have my motorcycle endorsement and go from there. In the mean time I have an LX 50 that I can ride legally, and I really enjoy.

Do you need to take the course to get your endorsement? In most States, you can get your learners permit with a written test, and then take the driving portion whenever you feel ready.

As much as you ride, you should be fine to pass the course. If you're not sure, you can usually figure out what's involved and practice the parts you are unsure about. The hard stop and high speed swerve are what usually throw people.
If you can borrow a Buddy or Vino 125, it's very easy to pass.
You can always take the course after you have your endorsement, if you feel the need to.

I agree with everyone who said to be ready to buy when the right deal comes along. If that red Vespa is the one you see yourself on, go for it. If not, wait.
I would ignore the laundry list of things you need to replace when you buy a used bike with low miles. If the oil looks good, and it runs, ride it. Ten year old tires aren't what ten year old tires were back in 1946 and there's no good reason to replace a belt in a GTS with 2000 miles on it.

Another thought is to check the Vespa dealer in Toronto. Importing is said to be not that hard and depending on the CAD/USD exchange the Canadian price can be a lot lower than the US price.

I considered this and checked with Vespa NA about getting warranty service on a Canadian bike in the US. They said "no problem".

I also considered new vs late model used but I wanted ABS so that meant 2015 or newer. Three months of searching produced one bike I would have bought for the asking price but it sold before I could get there.

In the end I got a 2020. Great bike. Averaging almost 1,000 miles per month just riding for pleasure.

Importing is not easy. If it's not a VIN that's approved for the USA it cant be registered.

When the 2010 popped up on Facebook marketplace the weather was still doable for me. But I really hate riding in the cold. If I'm going to bundle up to ride, I prefer to take my truck. I'm not going to torture myself every time I walk past a new-to-me scooter all winter. Work is looking to be very busy these next 6 months...so a cash purchase of a new GTS just might happen in the spring.