Modern Vespa

Hi,

I am looking to purchase my first Vespa.

Choices are:
A. ordering a new 2023 GTS Super Sport 300 hpe in the puke green/gold color
B. new 2022 GTS leftover from a dealer...there is a 2022 sei giorni that looks good in my town. I don't love grey and I don't love the 6 on the side, I do like the headlight on the fender.
C. New ish (2016+) low mile used

New 2023 is $10,000 OTD
New 2022 is probably a few hundred less
Used is $6,000 ish.

If the had the new 2023 beige color available in USA, I'd order that and be done.
I like the puke green/gold but I don't love it.

Used is a crapshoot as far as selection goes where I live (San Diego) but they do pop up.

Thoughts? I don't need a Vespa, but I have always wanted one and now is a good time for me to buy one.

Is the new 2023 worth waiting the 60+ day leadtime for?
Is it worth saving $4,000 on used? There is a nice 2017 with less than a $1,000 miles for $6,500 from a reputable shop in a color I am indifferent on.

I'll get exhaust and little farces on whatever scooter I get, but I am trying see if the additional spend is worth of for new 2023 when I will likely not use it that much.

Any thoughts appreciated!

Hmmm,,, very difficult to decide for you.
I suggest you rent your new toy for about a week. You could order in the meantime,,, Vespa dealer probably would not have any difficulty selling your ordered item to someone else but that also is not my decision to make.
Renting is an easy bet.

My preference would be:
First C. Low miles and $4000 less is a good deal. Color has never been my top priority.

B second, for a GTS. I can't see much difference between 2022 and 2023, and there's no waiting.

A would be my third choice. "Puke" green?

I'd skip the exhaust mod. A lot of money and little benefit, IMO.

The 2023 facelift can do EVERYTHING better than the pre-facelift!

In Germany, the price difference between a new and a young used from 2022/2021 with 1-2000km is a maximum of 1000€. Therefore, I would tend to a new with warranty. If the difference between new and used is greater in the U.S., you have to evaluate that for yourself.

Beige (and also blue matte on the SuperTech) should also be available in the US in 2023.

In 2009 and 2010, we bought two 250 GTSs: one was three years old with 990 miles, the second was one year old with 324 miles on it. Each was about $4K less than the out the door price new (but in NY, we have to pay sales tax on a used purchase even though it was taxed new.)
Each is still on the road with 16K and 26K miles. Repairs have been negligible, almost non-existent; maintenance has been the ongoing cost, as it is with a brand new one.
Bought my first new Vespa last year because the wife wanted a Sean Wutherspoon edition. I wouldn't have bought it for myself.

Based on my limited experience, used is the way to go unless one is wealthy enough for the difference to be irrelevant. I should add that the used marketplace is filled with sellers under the belief that Vespas don't depreciate and that dealer installed options are still worth the list price used. Wait to find the right seller. For less than $2K difference, I'd go new.

What's the winter weather like in San Diego?

And do you think this will be a long term vehicle, or something for a bit of short time fun?

2023 has new front suspension, how much better it is time will tell. I would go for good low mileage used at this time. facebook marketplace has many Vespas available for 45 to 65 thou near you. A small pickup and ramp to load will extend your area to buy from. A scooter is a sports car compared to a motor cycle like a Miata is to a limo in handling. Renting a Vespa for a month would give you a better Idea of how much you will like one long term and how long you will be willing to search for your dream scoot. may you make a decision that years from now pleases .

Welcome to MV!

I'd lean towards used as well. 95% of the experience at 65% of the cost.

Whatever you end up with, there is a pretty active Vespa group in North County. Look up Vespa Club of San Diego on Facebook if you're interested in group rides.

"puke green"?!? I hope you don't mean the new pastel green verde amabile that replaced verde relax. I thought Robolatte's photos of that bike were quite attractive.

Only the name changed! Verde Amabile and verde Relax are the same color! Color Code is in both cases "VK (350/A)".

See: https://modernvespa.com/forum/post2583843#2583843

If you are not going to use it that much, I would get a used one. Better price and if you want to farkle it up then that would be easier on the wallet, if money is an issue. You could customize all you want with the money you saved.

If you are buying new, I would get something with full warranty in a colour you like, even if you have to wait. I mean, you've waited this long, so make it worth it. Unless you want to ride ASAP.

My Vespa was the previous year's model (2021) I bought it in January 2022. It came with the full warranty. I wanted a bike for the summer and the shop ended up not getting any 2022's until August! So for me, that would have been too long.

The 2023 has a number of cosmetic changes and front suspension change, also I've read that the brakes are better. So something to consider also.

the 2023 has significantly better brakes and front suspension. plenty discussed on this forum

Im selling my black SuperTech 300 2022 model for $6,749. I paid over 10 for it.
Currently available in "as-New" condition -- just under 600 miles on it. You're in Carlsbad, Im in Palm Springs. If interested, let me know. Hard to find a cleaner looking Vespa at this price and the Matte Black isn't available in the 2023 model.

Of course, black matte is also available as 2023 model! The SuperSport has then even black accessories (but no full TFT with Navi)

I don't see it available as the super tech though….

Thank you all for the replies.

I am headed to Vespa Motorsport tomorrow to look at a leftover 2022 and also a new 2023.

I also sent RobaLatte a message as that may be a good option even though I would prefer the more traditional speedometer setup over the TFT display.

I'll report back.

Thanks again.

I see quite a few GTS 300s on San Diego area CL. If you won't be using a Vespa a lot, don't spend the $. Buy used and see.

Right.

-> 2022: matte black = SuperTech
2023 ->: matte black = SuperSport (-navigation, but +2023 updates, +black accessories)

Great deal. Wish I hadn't already got a great deal on a 2018.
Someone is going to-get a great bike.

Maybe give it a first oil change only?
Might be more tempting and a simpler buy for those that want to ride it home.

Absolutely. I had to take it offline because I was fielding too many inquiries and had a couple truly interested parties right off the bat. If the buyer from last week doesn't come through, somebody else will be getting an amazing ride at a crazy good price.

GermanGTSDriver, what is your information source on this? I hope you're right, but have never heard this to be the case.

First of all: Beige and matte blue where are delayed in Europe too. All colors started (and where in dealers showrooms) in early October. Beige and matte blue where delivered to dealer in first week of December.

General availability in US was nearly 4-6 weeks later (shipping?)

AND: Have a look on AF1 Racing's Post: https://modernvespa.com/forum/post2583001#2583001

Well, AF1 doesn't answer the question, either

Again, certainly hoping you're right, but just hearsay for now.

Are there any years to avoid with the GTS? Is oil consumption a bigger problem on the 2018+ models?

From personal experience, I would go with a used, low mileage example.

In 2015, I bought a 2008 GTS 250 with 300 miles on it. Put 30,000 miles on it before I crashed and totaled it in 2021. It was a terrific bike; I did have to replace the spark plug boot and wire - easy DIY. That was the only fault I ever had.

This past May, I bought a 2007 GTS 250 with 2500 miles on it. I managed to put about 3,000 miles on it this year and the only issue is some air creeped into the rear brake line.

If you find an older GTS 250 or 300 from 2014 or older with low miles and in good shape, don't overlook it. These do not have ABS and tend to have fewer issues with sensors, and odd engine lights. Also - oil consumption is not an issue with these older bikes either.

Hello all.

Thank you for the responses.

I have placed a deposit and will pick up a low mile 2021 GTS Tomorrow.

It's a color I like, and from a seller that is exactly the type of person you want to buy a used "something" from and he also has a genuine reason for the sale as he is moving overseas.

First Service was completed on schedule and look forward to having a Vespa in the Garage.

I'll post photos as soon as it gets back to my house.

Thanks again!

Happy Holidays

you should be happy. one tip, learn how to check the oil as they do drink a bit

The improved front suspension and somewhat improved braking are not quite enough to justify buying a new 2023 Vespa over a good used Vespa in my opinion. Add a few more horsepower and a 13inch or larger wheels and i Would already have had a deposit on record for a 2023 model. Best wishes for many years of enjoyment with your new scoot.

I brought this home on Friday.
2021 with around 1,000 Miles [/img]

Another option: I bought my 2009 in the first quarter of 2010. Dealers are under a lot of pressure to move inventory and hit their sales goals. If your timing is right, you can often get a good deal with last year's model that a dealer wants to get off his books.

I think you made the right decision. Welcome to the Vespa family.

I think you made the right choice on the 2021!

I bought all of my scooters combined for less than $10,000: a bit less than $3k each for a 2014 and 2016 GTS , and under $1500 each for the BV350, Downtown 300i, and Like 150i. I love them all, and can't imagine having just a single new $10,000 GTS to replace them, though I understand perfectly someone who would.

Congrats on your new ride! I also have a 2021 and so far love it.

Enjoy🙂

I am so glad you went with the Verde Amabile (or Verde Relax in your case).
It's such a great color and with that beige seat, it just looks fantastic!!

Many miles of great enjoyment ahead!!

Yes, yes it is.
Thats a fantastic colour.

Totally agree it looks heavenly.