Modern Vespa

Hello!
I am looking to purchase a vintage Vespa and I have found one that looks like a pretty good deal. Being a bit of a newb my self, I wanted to ask some advice. The scooter I am looking at is a 1979 P200e. I have been in contact with the seller and he has been pretty up front with the problems present in the scooter. The seller lives a decently far distance from me and I want to see if it is worth checking out before I go all the way to examine the scooter in person.

According to him, the paint and body is in reasonably good condition, a few minor scratches and dings but nothing serious. He had to replace the front fender. It doesn't start on the first kick but it only takes one or two extra kicks apparently. The scooter idles well but it dies when he tries to run it unless he keeps the choke out. The seller along with a couple of other people to whom I have described the problem to seem to agree that it is a problem with the carb. That seems to be the biggest issue. I also made sure to ask and the scoot has never been any where near Vietnam, which, I understand, is a good thing. The seller is asking $1500 for it.

Thats pretty much all I know at this point. Here I appeal to your knowledge, Oh scooter gurus. Does this seem like a good deal? Does the mechanical issue seem like an issue with the carburetor or is it something more sinister? Roughly how much would it cost to replace or repair the carb? Is there anything else I should check or ask about it when I go and check out the scooter? I would really appreciate any advice you may have. Thanks so much!

Not a guru.

The classic symptom of a bad clutch-side seal is that it only runs with the choke on. Still could be the carb, though.

You probably should post this on the Not-So-Modern side to get some attention.

cheers

Thanks, will do!

duplicate thread in NSM section - locking this one