Modern Vespa

I just purchased a 2007 mp3 250. The plan was to use it for food delivery. After I got it I've had multiple people tell me to sell it! That they are unreliable and very hard to find someone willing to work on them. I'm at the point I don't know if I should sell it and go with something else. What the truth when it comes to them. Should I have concerns about it not being able to keep up with being a daily ride?

They are no more unreliable than any other Piaggio scooter. Just keep the front steering tubes properly greased up and you should be fine. There's loads of info on here about that.

You can download manuals from http://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk between that and all the youtube videos you can carry out most of the simpler maintainence tasks.

I recently had some similar questions as I was considering buying regarding the maintenance and reliability of them.

pinheadh78 had some good insight and also service advice, his second post (7/23 5:08) in this thread has lots of good info:

Considering 530, Service & Ability Expectations

Beyond what was said there, all the issues seem to be the same throughout the years, but the early ones came with 12" tires, and it seems those tend to wear fairly fast, however that may have been with the bigger displacement versions. Most feel the 250 was underpowered for such a heavy vehicle.

There are reports of some Piaggio dealers no longer servicing MP3s after they are 10 years old.

I get the feeling if you're a willing decent DIY mechanic, or have a direct source to one, they are reasonable to keep going, however due to the rarity and complexity, either a dealer or similarly-priced shop would make an MP3 expensive to keep going vs a more reliable, less complex bike. It doesn't sound like they are terribly unreliable, just not super reliable either. The added wheel, suspension and tilt lock add quite a bit of complexity to a standard scoot.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

I have owned 2 250s and 2 500s. I would say overall the 250 is more reliable. In fact, of the three MP3s I currently own my 250 is my daily rider. It is a 2008 BTW. The 250 Quasar engine is pretty bulletproof as long as you do regular maintenance.

That said, yes finding service can be a bit difficult in the US but if you have even intermediate wrenching capabilities most repairs are in your reach. As mentioned the service manual is available.

Here is a dealer locator https://www.vespa.com/us_EN/dealer-locator/?f=all And there are other scooter shops that will work on Piaggio.