Modern Vespa

Ok, Ok. I've decided on a GTS. The local dealer started about a month-and-a-half ago (the first time I went in) with one GTS, and has since added two more. All three are '07s. I like all the colors, and my wife likes the idea of real hand-grabby things and a "butt-stop."

Question is: how hard should I push the dealer on price? He's already offering N-$300 on them. On his '06 GT200s, he started at the beginning of July offering N-$600, but just dropped another $100 off as not a single one has sold. He hasn't sold any GTSs either. In fact, so far as I can tell, he hasn't sold a scooter since I've started looking. (He's not hurting; his main lines are BMW and Ducati.)

If the GT200 is N-$700, should the GTS also be? His limited-time, special offer, discount ends on a self-imposed Oct. 31st (I guess to coincide with the factory's extended warranty offer?). I'm thinking that if I go in towards the end of October, he'll be feeling pretty hungry, as it'll be getting colder by then, and business should be slower even than now.

Little help on either approach or numbers? Thanks, y'all.

Buy the darn thing....money is just a number in the check book !!!

The markup on the scooters is not as high as you would think. He's offering N-700 on the GT200s because they're 06s, and they are discontinued. I imagine it's hard to sell a 200cc, carb'd scooter when for only a few hundred more, you can get 50cc extra, fuel injection, and gobs of support from the aftermarket. The 250ie is Vespa's flagship model now, believe it or not.

I would be quite happy with N-300 or 400 on a 250ie. Assuming you're going to service the scooter with him as well, you want to foster a good relationship with him from the start - not leave him feeling like he just got bent over. See if he'll cut you a deal on accessories you purchase at the same time as the scooter...that'll help out his bottom line by selling the goodies, and it'll keep a few bucks in your pocket on accessories you were just going to buy anyway.

Best of luck!

I don't know what that equates to bottom line price but there is a dealer (Vespa of Pittsburgh) on Ebay selling Buy It Now 06' GT200's for $4,200-4$4,395 with shipping anywhere in USA for only $400 more. Being that the dealer is arranging shipping, sounds like a pretty hassle free transaction. Just my 2c worth...

Seems reasonable. I don't want to rape the guy, I just don't want to get raped either. I understand that I'm not buying a Kymco, but the real deal.

Yeah, money is just anumber in the checkbook, and evry month the electric company likes to see what it is!

So the GT really is discontinued? I'd hate to be my dealer stuck with four of them (2 '07s & 2 '06s).

Ok, then. Doesn't sound like there's anything else to be gained by waiting. I get my Bonneville out of the shop tomorrow for trade-in. Now all I have to figure out is color: dark red, dragon red, of yellow.

Thanks, evryone.

that big of a discount sounds like a great deal. Now go for th GTS and you'll be really happy! If he has the vintage (dark) red, BUY IT! Cant get that color anymore even if you'd give your left arm.
Cheers,
Tanya

I have a friend who is interested in getting a new scooter, I would say he was at least 5'9 and 190lbs. He found one he thinks might be it New, Full Warranty 2006 for 4,995. GTS 250

Help me advise him here just a little. Is this a good scoot for your first one and what about the price. I thought the price was pretty good.
He is a lurker here on the forum, come on help me pull him in.
It won't take much he loves the VW's too.

And some here wonder why some in the vintage community laugh at them. I've never understood the casual use of that word.

1) I'm still wondering.
2) who said I was using casually? This is Nash-Vegas, Bubba.

Can't help you there. I'm as modern of a scooterist as they come, but I'm even chuckling a bit at the inanity of that comment. Ouch. Yet another good reason not to visit your corner of the Volunteer State.

As someone who's put 12,000 miles on his scooter in 9 months, I can attest that the GTS250ie is WELL worth the money...and unlike some in here who's second ride is a Ferrari or Lotus, it's ALOT of money!

But, if you want a scooter that is REALLY capable of interstate speed and performance, you really can't beat the GTS. The price you're looking at is a pretty good one (since after extended warranty, financing and other BS I walked out at about $6100), so I wouldn't worry about that.

In short: If you're someone who likes to ride ALOT, this is the perfect scooter. The price is right...go for it if you can!

They are offering an additional two year warranty for free. A dealer near here is offering $500 off any GTS. We got one in Yellow. I got a Vintage Red from him the following week for $750 off. He is offering a new GT200 for $1000 off. It doesn't hurt to make him an offer.

Really? Where is "here?"

Based on the IP address and 2nd post I'd say Vespa Roseville near Sacramento CA.

Around DC most places will knock abot 300 bucks off MSRP, selling for 5700. Then there is freight and setup which varies as much as 440 - 280 depending on who you talk to. I've found four Vintage red bikes if thats what you are looking for.

cheers

COMPLETE THREAD DERAIL:

Is your real name Fletch? ....I ask because mine is too and I've never met another.

THREAD CONTINUES...

Hey Fletch,

Last name is Fletcher, people call me Fletch for short. "Fletcher" goes back to the time when people were named after their vocation, ie smith etc. Fletchers were arrow makers. To "Fletch" is to attach the feathers to the arrows. There are about 5-8 pages of Fletchers in the San Diego phone book. When I lived there I always went to the Fletcher party held at Fletcher park, off Fletcher parkway etc. Crash it if you ever get there. Lots of surfers in the family.

Sorry for boring the rest of you fine folks out there

Not at all! I even learned something....

...and just to further derail this thread, apparently there are more Nguyens in the San Jose white pages than Smiths.... I haven't actually counted - but it's certainly a strong possibility.

Dammit, oh well. I figured it was your last name, but thought I'd ask. It's my first name, and I've yet to meet another, though I know they're out there. As for the history lesson, trust me I'm well versed on the origins. Have to throw that out almost weekly it seems when I meet new folks.

The dealer in Roseville is very nice. They have a good inventory, and the service department was very helpfull when my scooter had a problem. They would not match the deal I was offered in Modesto. I bought both scooters at the dealer in Modesto CA.