OP
Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:44:28 +0000

Lurker
Joined: Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:22:22 +0000
Posts: 3
Location: kentucky
 
Lurker
Joined: Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:22:22 +0000
Posts: 3
Location: kentucky
Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:44:28 +0000 quote
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?
Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:12:49 +0000

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: Sun, 26 Aug 2007 20:16:15 +0000
Posts: 42779
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: Sun, 26 Aug 2007 20:16:15 +0000
Posts: 42779
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:12:49 +0000 quote
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.
Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:54:28 +0000

Enthusiast
2009 mp3
Joined: Fri, 24 Feb 2023 01:41:57 +0000
Posts: 50
Location: Brisbane
 
Enthusiast
2009 mp3
Joined: Fri, 24 Feb 2023 01:41:57 +0000
Posts: 50
Location: Brisbane
Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:54:28 +0000 quote
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.
Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:42:10 +0000

Member
considering MP3 530
Joined: Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:14:28 +0000
Posts: 10
Location: Telluride, CO
 
Member
considering MP3 530
Joined: Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:14:28 +0000
Posts: 10
Location: Telluride, CO
Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:42:10 +0000 quote
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.
Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:17:42 +0000

Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:56:22 +0000
Posts: 22455
Location: Nashville, Indiana
 
Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:56:22 +0000
Posts: 22455
Location: Nashville, Indiana
Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:17:42 +0000 quote
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.
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