Modern Vespa

As I posted earlier, I am looking at buying an LX 150 Vespa, and originally planned to buy a new one. Now I'm also possibly considering getting a used one vice a new one. I have never owned a scooter and wouldn't know a good used one from a bad one, and no one locally I know has a scooter. So, if buying a used one (Ebay, Craig's list, etc) would you recommend I take it to a Vespa dealership and pay the mechanic to "look it over", or what? My nearest Vespa dealer is 90 miles away, but there is also a motorcycle repair shop in my town.....would they be able to give me a good idea as to it's condition?? On the other hand, IF I buy a new one, one dealership I know of offers an extended 2 year warranty (on top of the current one year) for apx $350 extra.....is that a good price and worth buying?? Thanks!!!!

Well good question. New v. Used....

For a first time buyer, I would go with a new scoot. Buying new gives you a warranty (and the extra 2 yrs, if wanted) and a better overall scooter. Buying used could mean buying somebody's headache. Many on here will agree that buing for the first time off of Ebay or Craigs List could be very bad.

USED USED USED - so many people buy scooter and motorcycles not really knowing if/how much they are going to use it. When they realize they are not using it as much as they thought/are on to a new hobby/decide they don't like it etc. etc. they sell them and take a loss. I've purchased 5 used motorcycles and 1 new one. I'd never buy new again! I most recently bought a 2007 GTS with 700 miles on it for $4,000. It's great! I've had my ET (I have 2 vespas) for 5 years - I bought it used - from a junk yard! I had the body fixed up and have had no problems with it since then!

Be patient, look around for an ET or an LX - offer a number that would make you happy and feel like you got enough of a discount from buying new and then buy it.

I feel very strongly about this one - buying new is pissing away money when it comes to a motorcycle or scooter. Good luck!

AK....so if I get a used one, what's the best way to insure I don't get a lemon? Take it to a local motorcycle repair shop and pay them to give it a good look over, or what?? I have no experienc in buying scooters...

Definately used.
Use the money you save to get gear, and to do a full service on it to get a clean bill of health.
Also if you drop it, it won't hurt the depreciation as much.

Seth

If you buy a vespa, They do not depreciate like a car does. I would still buy used unless you buy used from a vespa or other scooter dealer. You can buy used but only if you have it checked by a vespa service tech. The local motorcycle shop may or may not be a bad idea. Call them first and ask if the have any experience w/ scooters.

I'm a total noob, and decided to go down the used route because I *know* I'll drop it, knock into something, or something equally dumb. I figured once I'm comfortable with the scoot (maybe 1-2 years down the line) I'll consider getting a nice shiny new one! 8)

Agree with the Harpo...

Glad I bought used, 'cause when I let a friend ride it and they dropped it...
I ended up being ok with it.

Word of advice. Don't let anyone ride it.

Talk to the person you are buying it from. Get a feeling for why they are selling - see how many miles are on the scooter, look for scratches, signs of drops etc. Ask for service records. If the person has been diligent, doing services etc., I'd assume they took good care of it. You may also want to take it to a dealer and pay them to do a once over. Not a perfect science, things can go wrong but trust your gut. I'm no mechanic - I test rode the ones that I purchased. I've had good luck - the money I've saved has been huge.

And by the way - my scooters and motorcycles are SHINY and NEW looking! Again, when it comes to two wheels - USED IS JUST AS GOOD, IF NOT BETTER - sometimes you get extras, windshield, top case etc. etc.

I agree with Harpo, too. I love mine, don't get me wrong. But for the first 2 months I was crazy worried that it was going to get bumped or scratched.

It also helped that it did fall over during a storm. Now I'm not as afraid for/of it.

I wish I'd gotten a used one out of the gate. Next summer we're buying my partner one and we're getting a used one...I'm really afraid that he'll wreck on it.

I've bought 4 used Vespas and been very happy. 2 of them still had a warranty.