Modern Vespa

Hello, I'm looking for opinions on which to purchase. A 2007 Vespa Granturismo 200L or a 2018 Genuine Buddy 170i.
The Vespa has 1120 miles and is priced at $3800
The Buddy has 1820 miles and is priced at $2500
Both have windshields and trunk boxes. Both in excellent condition.
I'm concerned about buying a 17 year old scooter but the appeal of a Vespa is strong. Thoughts?

The larger frame Vespas are water cooled, which on an older vehicle could mean replacing hoses etc.

The brand name will mean better residual values though.

Are there any secondhand primavera / sprints? Air cooled and simpler. Same engine since 2014 and still in production today.

I wouldn't be too concerned about a top box, as you can probably find one secondhand easily enough. There are also lots of aftermarket racks / bags available for Vespas.

I've owned both, currently the GT200 remains in my collection, as it is a very nice ride for more of the rural touring I like to do. The 170i is a great scooter, nicely "flickable" and a delight to ride and park around the city, but not as comfortable when I get out on longer rides.

I think that you will not be disappointed either way, but go with the Vespa if you think there is a chance that you might venture further than the local neighborhood.

Cheers, and please update us on which one you choose (also, pictures).

Bob

The Vespa GT 200L is the best scooter ever made.

I recommend that you buy that one.

Bill

I've owned both as well. How deep are your pockets? Do you turn your own wrenches? Is there a good Vespa mechanic nearby? The Buddy is a great lightweight around town scooter with 10" wheels. It has one rear shock, and a drum brake in the rear. The Vespa, well Bill kind of summed it up. If you are cool with 40 to 50 miles an hour, and that is all you need, go for the Buddy. Although I think the Buddy 125 is a much better bike than the 170i. If you have a 32 or longer inseam, and you fancy 70mph, get the Vespa. I moved right up to the GT200 from a 170i. The Vespa is 3x the bike. I love Genuine Scooters, but a Vespa......

I have also ridden both. The ergonomics are somewhat different between the two. If you are a smaller rider, you may prefer the lower riding position, lighter weight, and shorter reach to the handle bars with the Buddy. My wife tried hard to like an LX but ultimately decided that she was just plain more comfortable on a Buddy which she flat-foots easily. The GT/GTS body was just a bridge too far for her. (my wife is 5'3", while I am 5'9" and fit a GT/GTS just fine)

I second this! My 2003 GT200 in the UK is still going strong - starts every time even after sitting for six months at a time with no TLC apart from giving the battery a top-up charge before first re-use. Just a pleasant a ride as the GTS - OK, not so rabidly fast off the line, but apart from that, a joy.

I was in a similar boat last year except I was looking at a low mileage 2007 Vespa GTV or a new'ish Kymco. I went with the Vespa. Sure I had to change all the fluids/filters and replace the OEM tires w/ < 900 miles on them (just to be safe), but I'm glad I got the GTV.

What you said about "the appeal of a Vespa is strong" is SO accurate for me. I'm almost certain I would have sold that Kymco to get a Vespa by now and would have always thought the old'ish GTV was the one that got away.

Are these just some scoots up for sale or on a dealership's floor? If at a dealer, I would maybe expect a higher price as they maybe have been checked out properly, that is, not just given a clean up and a new battery. From my view, they are both carrying a high price tag. Don't get me wrong - they are both good machines, but for that money I think you could do better. And newer.

You'd never get a newer GT200 than a 2007...

No, but there are plenty of GTS models up for sale. I just find the price a bit high. But if the OP's heart is set on a GT200, there is nothing wrong with that.

Gt200 hands down
Perfect for a mid life crisis and tons of fun .

Piaggio makes and sells the Vespa, and they have a semi-functional dealer network in the US, and a lot of companies that bring in parts, so you're not as likely to wait six months for something you need to ride now. PGO makes the Buddy, and you've likely never heard of them. Nor will you find a PGO dealer in the US. The 170 is a 150 with a big bore kit, which means they removed a lot of the metal that cools the engine in order to fit a bigger piston. So longevity is likely not going to be the same, especially if you find yourself wringing the motor on the interstate.

This is kind of a moot point. Every body panel off a 2007 and newer Genuine Buddy body will fit the latest model. Try this on any year/model of Vespa. There are many reputable Genuine dealers across the US. ScooterWest / Vespa Motorsports for one, Parts are easy to find. Go to scooter lounge online, they have or will get you any part you need at a reasonable price. PGO was a component maker for Piaggio for over a decade, that's where their name comes from. Take a look at the Buddy Kick. 4 valve, fuel injected. I still prefer a Buddy 125. If you need freeway speed, the GT200 would be the wise choice. I'd wait patiently for a GTS 250 to come along. That's the best of all worlds.

Thank you everyone for the insightful reply's. I bought the Vespa and I couldn't be happier with my decision. It feels solid and sturdy. I know it's going to be a workhorse for me. Now on to finding parts like crash bars! I hope I'll never need them but I want to maintain the pristine condition of my new scooter.

Welcome to the gt200 experience.

Congratulations!!

Regarding parts and/or crash bars, ScooterWest.com. has a helpful "Scooter Fit" tab all their products, so you never have to second-guess fitment.

I saw that one on FB marketplace (where I have absolutely no need to be), and exchanged DMs with the seller. I was within minutes of driving up to buy it yesterday, but I came to my senses and opted out (rightfully so). I think that you will not be disappointed, it is a very nice machine.

Cheers,

Bob

Yep! That's my bike's twin! I got out and road today for a bit. Exhilarating! It's been about eight years since I've ridden. I'm taking it slow and building up my confidence again!