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Hi everybody,

I'm new, been lurking for a bit and I finally decided to post because most of y'all seem nice and I could use a little help. I don't have a scooter yet but I'm dying to get one and I'm trying to choose between one of these two:

http://jonesboro.craigslist.org/mcy/1345047495.html

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-Paiggio-VESPA-ET4-150-cc-Motor-Scooter-REDUCED-TN_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem2ea78a2799QQitemZ200379344793QQptZScootersQ5fMopeds

Th GT200 has damage to the front and I was wondering if it was worth the price listed and if repairing the damage would be cost prohibitive.

The ET4 seems nearly perfect and I was wondering if it would be a better choice for a novice rider.

Thanks for your help in advance!


Nyghttrain


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That's a lot of damage on the GT200 and it won't be cheap or easy to fix - the ET4 seems a far better buy
@genie avatar
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Gobshite Shiva
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Gobshite Shiva
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dents in the front legshield can be costly and complicated to fix. for a first scooter, you want something without issues - go with the ET4. it's a better choice for a novice rider in any case. good luck with your purchase and post pictures of your new ride
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Find out if you can see the ET4 in person. You'll get a far better idea of what you're buying. While you probably won't be allowed a test drive, see if you're comfortable sitting on it/ holding it up off the center stand. Make sure it has both a red/brown master key and the blue key. Check it's starting- they're carbed, and it might need to have the gas tank flushed, fuel line replaced and the carb cleaned.

Good luck with it!


Harvey
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Agree with the others ... the ET4 is your best bet. I would take a mechanic with me to check it out.
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The GT could have frame damage. Even if it doesn't, fixing that dent won't be cheap. IMO, the price is far too high when you consider the cost of repairing it.

ET4: As others have said, you MUST make sure that you receive the blue & red keys (red key at a minimum). Without the coded keys, you will pay $800+ for a new CDI/ignition system so the scooter can be started.

Many scooters/motorcycles/automobiles are priced far too high on Ebay. You should do some research to see how much they're really selling for on Craigslist, MV "For Sale Forum, etc.

I've seen decent looking ET4's going for $1700-$2400 on this forum in the last six months.
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Hooked
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I wouldn't just discount the GT to go with the ET4 when you don't even know what the price will be -- price it out and stand by your price in the final moments of bidding [since it can get crazy]. This guy is a professional seller and knows how to maximize the bids and profit. Don't forget you can negotiate with the person on craigslist.

It is a very nice bike.

Good luck and happy scootering.
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Addicted
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First Scooter? I'd get the GT200. It may have a large dent in it but if you don't care for the time being then I'd go for it.

I doubt it's damaged enough to be unsafe or to actually have a bent frame... though insurance considers any of the metal work frame... but the actual center core of it is likely fine. I say this after buying quite a few salvage Vespas. Very few of which have had enough damage to be unsafe.

It does say it's a clean title but I'd bet that if they filed an insurance claim it would have been totaled.

For a price reference I just sold a GT200 for $2900 with very little damage but 10K miles.
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Hooked
79 vespa p200 & 03 vespa et4
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trying to buy first scooter
as others have mentioned the gt 200 more than likely has frame damage with that large dent, frames bend pretty easy when hit that hard. look for a good et4 or lx150 . good luck
@alice avatar
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Molto Verboso
ET4
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Molto Verboso
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It also looks like that GT has an out of state title, if you are located in Tennessee ... don't know anything about the Tennessee DMV, but you might run into problems registering it. Ditto RATBOY's thoughts on the possible salvage title.

I'm partial to the ET, but I agree with the others who advise to check it out in person before making an offer.
OP
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Chose a Scooter!
I wanted to thank everyone who gave me advice about which scooter to buy. You guys brought up some things I hadn't considered. I really really appreciate your input.

My hubby and I decided to buy the ET4. We checked it out today and everything seemed fine, it had some extras, so we paid $2200 for it. We're thrilled! Our first scoot! Will post pictures soon.

Thanks again everybody!

Nyghttrain
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Alice wrote:
It also looks like that GT has an out of state title, if you are located in Tennessee ... don't know anything about the Tennessee DMV, but you might run into problems registering it. Ditto RATBOY's thoughts on the possible salvage title.

I'm partial to the ET, but I agree with the others who advise to check it out in person before making an offer.
Most states aren't a pain like we hear Ca being to title a vehicle. In Va. you walk in with a good title from any state and walk out with a new title and tags.
Go at the right time of the day & month and you can be in and out in 30 minutes.

Wayne B
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2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
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Nyghttrain-

Congrats and ride in good health.

Al
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Nice scoot - seems like a good deal with all of the extras!

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