Modern Vespa

I have the possibility to buy from a friend a 2002 Vespa ET2 50cc. He has kept it outside, uncovered, for years, although the mileage is low. The body looks a little worn. He hardly wants any money for it, but I am wondering, what harm is done to the mechanical system by leaving it outside uncovered (in a climate where it snows).

Aloha and welcome to the forum. I like the ET2's and they are a great 50cc scooter much better than the newer LX version. Does it run at all? Big question is can you do mechanical things? There are a bunch of "how to's" with pics on here so if you can wrench you'll be good to go. I'd buy it. Good solid scooter.

Thanks Judy! The battery is dead, since he hasn't driven it in two years, but he said he would have it towed to the dealership and tuned up if I want to get it. There's a little rust on the exhaust pipe. My previous bike (which got stolen ) was a Yamaha Zuma, so I would be new to the Vespa thing, getting it mainly because of the opportunity.

I would drain the gas, clean the carb, put fresh premium gas in it, put a little starting fluid in it, and try to kick start it....that is what the dealer will do......
Please haul it to the dealer, if you can't handle any of the above.....don't tow it!

Have your friend get a new battery and like GREG says drain the fuel put some fresh in add some SeaFoam. See if it starts. Those 2T ET'S are pretty hardy scooters. That should get it started. I don't know enough about them mechanically about the oil. But all you fluids need to be changed brake,hub and engine oil( don't think it's a (oil-gas mixture) and a new spark plug. Once you get it started if he'll still pay for it you can ride it to a reputable dealer if you don't want to do the work yourself. Battery change and draining the gas is easy. worry about the rust later. I'd kill to have a ET2 in my stable. Good luck

+1
Letting a scooter sit unridden isn't good for the scoot. Sometimes low miles means it's been sitting, stored improperly, for years.

greg's suggestions are right on the money. The carb will likely be gunked up, the valves out of whack and the jets may need serious cleaning or replacing. Also change the oil and gear oil.

Also, all the rubber on the scoot, from tires to hoses, may be in bad shape. Dried out, cracking, weakened. Once all fluids are replaced, run it for a bit then let it sit overnight and look for leaks.

In general vespas do not fare as well as other plastic scoots outside because of their metal body. Corrosion can really be a factor as well as cracked rubber as eric mentioned. Make sure you crawl under the scoot and get a good look at the under-side for rust. Bad weather literally eats the life from a Vespa unless it is meticulously cared for.

A gummed up carb is the least of the problems you can have.