Modern Vespa

I've got scooter fever and am looking to pick up a used one. I've found a 2003 Vespa ET4 with 34k on it for $1k It appears to have been dumped once at least according to pictures. As I'm a complete scooter noob, how many miles is too many? Aside from making sure it starts and runs anything else I should look for while checking it out? I've attached a photo of the dumped side, the other side looks pristine.

Worth it for 1k?

Hey there..I know it looks a little beat up, but if it runs decent I'd buy it if it were me...

It will clean up nice

It should run ok and if it is your first scooter, having something pre-dented is ok! I assume you have a motorcycle endorsement on your license?

I would ask what the maintenance history is as you may have to do some replacement of the rubber stuff like the belt. Also look at the date code on the tires as you may need to replace those right away.

Not sure what your market for scooters is like but you may want to try offering $800 cash especially if you need new tires.

Yeah I've been endorsed for two months, probably getting the fever for two wheels haha.

Good reminder about the tires wouldn't have thought of that.

Let's review. An eighteen year old scooter with 34k miles and a dented monocoque frame. And that is not to mention other possible condition issues. I wouldn't be laying down $1000 for that scooter. Now, if someone gave it to me (and I was handy with a wrench) - I might be trying to see if I could get it back into safe running condition, but I'd expect to spend some money on it in the process.

If it has a Leader engine, maybe. If it has the older engine, I'd stay away.

The scooter is 18 years old and may have some mechanical faults too. You need to test drive it and check its engine performance. If you are satisfied then buy it, but try to negotiate on the price as low as possible.

Here is one near you with new Michelin tires. It has 5,000 miles and has been very well cared for. This has the Leader engine for sure. He is asking $1,700. The post has been up for almost 3 weeks. A cheap scooter is only cheap once.
Talk him down, beg, borrow or steal the extra funds. https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/mcy/d/phoenix-2005-et4-150-vespa/7279620631.html

but red is much faster than blue

No idea why they even bother to manufacture these in any other colors than "can't miss it" bright primaries. Who wants to disappear just so Karen can kill you with her Tahoe whilst talking on her phone? Every little bit helps.

Greetings:

I have that exact scooter - curiously with tan-colored panel covers over the glovebox instead of black. One Forum member has told me that this engine with a Malossi 187 cylinder (to which I have upgraded) will run 40K miles. In stock form, I would think that 34K on the clock means a good deal more life remains in your engine, presuming oil changes have been documented. The plastic bits can be replaced, and the scratches touched up. I love mine, particularly with the Malossi kit and a few transmission tweaks.

I'd look for lower mileage if you plan to ride daily or far, otherwise for $1G you almost can't go wrong.