OP
@whyme8504 avatar
UTC

Member
2006 BV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16
Location: Houston, TX
 
Member
@whyme8504 avatar
2006 BV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16
Location: Houston, TX
UTC quote
Let me start off by saying that I am all for supporting your local dealerships, well at-least I thought I was. I live in Houston and for the life of me I cannot understand why in a city this large that there isn't one decent, honest dealer. I have tried all of my local vespa branded shops and have either gotten the brush-off, messages not returned, price-gouged, the list goes on. I have even gone so far to call around to other dealership around the country, who shall remain nameless, and have received similar results. I know that Piaggio/Vespa aren't the best at customer service but this isn't Italy folks.

Ok, enough complaining, what I really need to know from the all wise people of MV is where I can get the things I need to keep my bike running without losing my hair or draining my wallet in the process.
@birdsnest avatar
UTC

Not So Moderator
VNB VSC VMA VSX - o9c vmb vse
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8887
Location: Hustletown, TX
 
Not So Moderator
@birdsnest avatar
VNB VSC VMA VSX - o9c vmb vse
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8887
Location: Hustletown, TX
UTC quote
Don't know that there's a cure for the draining the wallet part.

Call Max at Motorsport Scooters for mail order.

Also, if it just common wear items, call Scootersmith in H-town. They are actually a Stella dealer, but if you're out of warranty and need service, or basic parts Steve is a good guy.

http://www.scootersmith.net/contactus.html
UTC

Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
 
Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
UTC quote
whyme8504,

I also prefer to support local businesses, whatever they are.

Unfortunately, on my one-time visit to the 'local' Vespa dealer in Houston (meaning the hole-in-the-wall Vespa 'dealership' at the Maserati/Ferrari dealership, Hwy 59 & Chimney Rock, about 60 miles from me) during the period I was researching/looking for a dealer to buy a GTS-250 from -- I wasn't impressed. Instead, I found MY Vespa online at the Abilene, TX, Vespa dealer. HE ended up not being that great, either, but at least I got a good deal on the scooter itself.

Still, I knew that regardless of where I ended up buying it, I'd need to do as much of my own mechanic work as possible...partly because of the few-and-far Vespa dealerships (unlike MC dealerships, like Harley, Honda and Yamaha just about everywhere) and partly because of (A) the high labor prices dealers charge and (B) even then, really good and caring (high work ethic) mechanics are way too rare nowadays. IME, too many of the 'pros' have broken things, lost parts or just did a sorry/sloppy half-assed job...even if they did it at all (but charge you for it anyway).

Consequently, I am just plain skeptical of dealers, whether they sell MCs, scooters (or cars).

So when it came to my first service (just last week), I did it myself. And as for future services, I will try to do those myself also. Outside of the 'normal' things needing to be done (as per the official Vespa Maintenance Schedule), I can only hope that nothing serious (meaning expensive and 'shop-only' work) goes wrong with my Vespa when the warranty runs out!

In short, I would suggest that you get a service manual, some basic tools and start doing your own work also. If you encounter something you can NOT handle, you can always take it in to the 'pros,' but in the meantime, you will have saved HUNDREDS of dollars doing the routine maintenance items yourself.

As I get older, however, I must admit that I have less and less 'enthusiasm' to do this 'grease-monkey' stuff, but I'm kind of forced to. That's okay, at least I know it's done right and I have complete control over the oils, filters and such that go into it...let alone saving all those hourly labor charges!

Good luck...
⚠️ Last edited by cloudcroft on UTC; edited 1 time
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22821
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22821
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
cloudcroft wrote:
whyme8504,

I also prefer to support local businesses, whatever they are.

Unfortunately, on my one-time visit to the 'local' Vespa dealer in Houston (meaning the hole-in-the-wall Vespa 'dealership' at the Maserati/Ferrari dealership, Hwy 59 & Chimney Rock, about 60 miles from me) during the period I was researching/looking for a dealer to buy a GTS-250 from -- I wasn't impressed. Instead, I found MY Vespa online at the Abilene, TX, Vespa dealer. HE ended up not being that great, either, but at least I got a good deal on the scooter itself.

Still, I knew that regardless of where I ended up buying it, I'd need to do as much of my own mechanic work as possible...partly because of the few-and-far Vespa dealerships (unlike MC dealerships, like Harley, Honda and Yamaha just about everywhere) and partly because of (A) the high labor prices dealers charge and (B) even then, really good and caring (high work ethic) mechanics are way too rare nowadays. IME, too many of the 'pros' have broken things, lost parts or just did a sorry/sloppy half-assed job...even if they did it at all (but charge you for it anyway).

Consequently, I am just plain sleptical of dealers, whether they sell MCs, scooters (or cars).

So when it came to my first service (just last week), I did it myself. And as for future services, I will try to do those myself also. Outside of the 'normal' things needing to be done (as per the official Vespa Maintenance Schedule), I can only hope that nothing serious (meaning expensive and 'shop-only' work) goes wrong with my Vespa when the warranty runs out!

In short, I would suggest that you get a service manual, some basic tools and start doing your own work also. If you encounter something you can NOT handle, you can always take it in to the 'pros,' but in the meantime, you will have saved HUNDREDS of dollars doing the routine maintenance items yourself.

As I get older, however, I must admit that I have less and less 'enthusiasm' to do this 'grease-monkey' stuff, but I'm kind of forced to. That's okay, at least I know it's done right and I have complete control over the oils, filters and such that go into it...let alone saving all those hourly labor charges!

Good luck...
here the thing about "shop inly work" umm a person actually does that stuff. the only thing they have over you is maybe some special tool that is a 1 off item, that probably can be worked around in some form or fashion. then the techical stuff well 99% of that is cover over in the wiki in the workshop manual section. So it boils down to either you want to do it for yourself or you would rather pay to have someone do it for you. I feel like I control what is done to my scoot, how tight that screw is, the correct oil and amount was installed, the pre oil filter was removed and cleaned and inspected. These are some of the things i don't even question as I did them and not someone else. There are alot of good mechanics out there in some great dealerships but they are few and far in between.
OP
@whyme8504 avatar
UTC

Member
2006 BV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16
Location: Houston, TX
 
Member
@whyme8504 avatar
2006 BV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16
Location: Houston, TX
UTC quote
I'll definitely agree to the aspect of getting to know your scoot and doing everything that you feel confidant to do. I recently did my 6000 mile check and plan to my belt and rollers in the near future. My issue is that no one seems remotely interested in ordering the correct parts for me. Heck, even returning my calls or emails. All of the online sites that list the BV250 have all 3 versions listed on the same page with no year designations for the parts. Last time I checked, they are similar but not all the parts are interchangeable between years. I know that I am sounding overly nitpicky and whiney, however why am I, the customer having to figure out if the part that I am looking at is the one correct for my scoot. Wha? emoticon I mean, when was the last time that someone went onto a car, ahem, cage-parts site and were never asked what year make it was. I love my scoot but 4 years of dealing with all of this dealership crap is getting old.
@knight_train avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2017 BMW R1200GS and 2010 Vespa GTS 250 (shared)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4213
Location: San Diego
 
Ossessionato
@knight_train avatar
2017 BMW R1200GS and 2010 Vespa GTS 250 (shared)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4213
Location: San Diego
UTC quote
Every time I read a thread like this I thank my lucky stars that I live in San Diego and can bring my scooter in to the folks at Motorsports. Always fair and reasonable. Always good work.
@witch avatar
UTC

Moderatrice Strega
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7699
Location: Oregone
 
Moderatrice Strega
@witch avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7699
Location: Oregone
UTC quote
whyme8504 wrote:
My issue is that no one seems remotely interested in ordering the correct parts for me.
I totally hear you.

The dealer I unfortunately ended up purchasing my bike from couldn't get it right to save their lives. I came to the parts counter with a page I'd printed as to what I wanted. It included color photographs, Piaggio part numbers, and the MSRP of the items. Took 'em 3 times to actually order the correct stuff. Also took them a week's worth of "research" for them to confirm that I was correct when I told them that a set of GT crash bars was not designed to easily fit onto a GTV without removing stuff (and adding numerous curse words) during an attempted installation.

On the other hand, the dealer closer to me might not give quite as good a price on everything, but they're honest if they don't understand what I'm talking about, and have so far always gotten my parts and orders in a decent time frame and with a smile.

It might take a while, but you'll eventually find a dealer that does you right.
UTC

Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
 
Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
UTC quote
whyme8504,

Have to tried to order the parts yourself -- online? That's what I do (some Vespa dealers have online shopping available for parts). And if an online dealer does not come through for me (as one didn't just a few days ago), I cross it off my list of sources for any future business and it's their loss, not mine.

So I not only bought my scooter online but I've gotten parts for it, too. No need to go to a 'local' shop...yet!

Again, not having a local dealer kind of forces me online...which has worked out pretty well so far.
UTC

Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
 
Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
UTC quote
old as dirt,

When I was younger, I was pretty poor, so I HAD to learn how to maintain/fix LOTS of things because I couldn't afford to take my cars/bikes to the dealer (or even a 3rd-party shop) everytime they needed something done.

Today, I CAN afford them...but as I said, I just don't trust them. Besides, I can think of better things to do with the money saved...

As for special tools, I'll probably get a variator tool, clutch tool and the like (for CVT belt/roller replacements) -- and some common tire-changing tools -- but that's down the road as I have lots of miles to do before then.

So unless something major goes wrong -- like an internal engine/transmission part goes bad -- and I just don't feel like getting into it that far (and I probably won't), I'll take it in to the shop (WHEN I find a good one) but otherwise, *I* am the shop!
@dru avatar
UTC

Addicted
Piaggio BV500, Genuine Stella, P200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 822
Location: Atlanta, GA (Milton)
 
Addicted
@dru avatar
Piaggio BV500, Genuine Stella, P200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 822
Location: Atlanta, GA (Milton)
UTC quote
Supporting the local dealerships is more important now than ever. All of them are hurting right now, especially in the Piaggio world where they had inventory foisted on them to pad Piaggio's corporate numbers.

In terms of your specific issues:

The brush off I've worked the sales floor in a scooter shop and there is such a high percentage of BS/tire kickers that will never purchase that the sales staff will sometimes miss on the ones that are actually there to make a purchase and those that are there to kill time. It is not intentional, but when you are a small shop and there are 4 things to do, you tend to do the one that will generate the most revenue.

Messages not returned Not acceptable, ever. It happens, but it still isn't acceptable.

Price-Gouged This one, I am going to come down on the dealer side. Dealers right now are getting screwed. The vendors are pinching them. They have inventory bought at prices near or above current MSRP's. This is tough when they have to unload that inventory at a loss. Then there is the 'gouging' concept. Labor isn't cheap. At $80 / hour for service labor and a 2 hour prep time for most bikes, $200 for prep is more than reasonable. Many customers consider that unreasonable, just part of doing the business, but when there is no margin, there is no place to eat that cost.

Running a scooter shop is an act of love, not one of profit. Most scooter shops survive on service revenue, and they squeeze that as tight as they can to find the balance of reasonable to both them and the customer. Scooter parts are low volume, and tend to be pricey because of that. Service isn't cheap, good mechanics are not cheap.

Personally, I do some of my maintenance myself and have the shop do some. General rule of thumb, if I can do it under an hour, I'll do it. If it's more than that, I let the shop do it. Why? Opportunity cost. If it takes more than an hour to do it, I can make more money in the couple of hours than the cost of having it done, even at rates that most of you seem to think of as gouging.
@silver_streak avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 Vespa LX 190, 2011 LXV150ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8758
Location: Annapolis, MD, USA
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@silver_streak avatar
2007 Vespa LX 190, 2011 LXV150ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8758
Location: Annapolis, MD, USA
UTC quote
cloudcroft wrote:
old as dirt,

When I was younger, I was pretty poor, so I HAD to learn how to maintain/fix LOTS of things because I couldn't afford to take my cars/bikes to the dealer (or even a 3rd-party shop) everytime they needed something done.

Today, I CAN afford them...but as I said, I just don't trust them. Besides, I can think of better things to do with the money saved...

As for special tools, I'll probably get a variator tool, clutch tool and the like (for CVT belt/roller replacements) -- and some common tire-changing tools -- but that's down the road as I have lots of miles to do before then.

So unless something major goes wrong -- like an internal engine/transmission part goes bad -- and I just don't feel like getting into it that far (and I probably won't), I'll take it in to the shop (WHEN I find a good one) but otherwise, *I* am the shop!
I'm definitely in your camp as well. As I've gotten older, though, I've made two exceptions: 1) nasty jobs such as exhaust work that require lying under cars getting rust in your face, and 2) some work on more sophisticated modern vehicles that requires electronic diagnostic equipment to diagnose problems and to make adjustments. Even in the latter case, though, I bought a code reader for my Mini Cooper S so that I can at least tell whether the problem is something I can handle myself. So far, I haven't found a problem with my Vespa that I couldn't deal with on my own.
@dutch avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
LXV 150 GTV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2471
Location: Logan OH USA
 
Ossessionato
@dutch avatar
LXV 150 GTV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2471
Location: Logan OH USA
UTC quote
Well I guess I'm in the minority on this issue. I've got a great dealer in The Athens Scooter Company.

My last interaction with them was a new tire on my GTV, which they happened to tell me that I needed on an earlier visit to them.

The tire came in a week after they ordered it and we set up a Saturday morning appointment. After I got there I decided that as long as I was there could they change the oil ? They said no problem we'll do that as soon as we get the tire changed. I wandered around the shop for awhile and then went in the back to watch my tire change.

They had told me earlier that the tire and labor would be around $100.

After the work the counter guy came back to ask me what they had quoted me. Then he remembered that because I brought a bunch of scooters down to their shop for a ride that they said they'd do my next service for free. He said how about we just charge you for parts ? So I got a new tire and an oil change for $55.00.

Unfortunately for them but fortunately for me that mechanic has left the shop and gone out on his own. Now he makes house calls. He happened to be in town the other day and gave me a call to see if I needed an oil change on any of my scooters.

That's what I call great customer service. From the dealer and now from their former mechanic.
UTC

Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
 
Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
UTC quote
Silver Streak,

Code readers for your car are good! Some dealers will charge you $$ just to read them for you. Other don't. Some auto stores (Autozone for example) will read them for free.

Still, if you own a car and do any work on your own, you SHOULD buy a OBDII (is that still the current version?) code reader...at the very least, you can read the code,but if you want, STILL take it in to the shop for THEM to read/fix the problem...but at least you will know ahead of time what the code(s) is(are). So if the shop tries to BS you, you know better. And like you said, knowing the code, you might be able to track-down/fix the problem yourself.

I agree with you in excepting certain things you won't undertake to do. Using my 2006 Honda CRV car as an example, there are some things that I DO take in to the local (meaning on the island) Honda dealer that I can't do or that involve toxic fluids:

-- 4-wheel alignment. [Don't have the equipment]
-- Flushing and replacing engine coolant. [Don't have backflush machine and old toxic coolant fluid need proper disposal]
-- Flushing/replacing brake fluid. [Could do, but doing all 4 wheels, keeping the brake reservoir always topped off while bleeding it, toxic fluids (old brake fluid) needing proper disposal, plus it being MESSY -- no thanks).
-- Brake jobs. [Can do pad replacement, but do not have rotor-turning equipment]
-- Texas State Vehicle Inspection. [Not a DIY job, of course, as NO ONE can do this except an state authorized shop]

Again, I hope nothing MAJOR goes wrong with my CRV as the warranty will be over soon.

...but the little stuff is within my 'job description' even if "Retired Person" is my OFFICIAL job title presently.
⚠️ Last edited by cloudcroft on UTC; edited 2 times
@silver_streak avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 Vespa LX 190, 2011 LXV150ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8758
Location: Annapolis, MD, USA
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@silver_streak avatar
2007 Vespa LX 190, 2011 LXV150ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8758
Location: Annapolis, MD, USA
UTC quote
Dutch wrote:
Well I guess I'm in the minority on this issue. I've got a great dealer in The Athens Scooter Company.

My last interaction with them was a new tire on my GTV, which they happened to tell me that I needed on an earlier visit to them.

The tire came in a week after they ordered it and we set up a Saturday morning appointment. After I got there I decided that as long as I was there could they change the oil ? They said no problem we'll do that as soon as we get the tire changed. I wandered around the shop for awhile and then went in the back to watch my tire change.

They had told me earlier that the tire and labor would be around $100.

After the work the counter guy came back to ask me what they had quoted me. Then he remembered that because I brought a bunch of scooters down to their shop for a ride that they said they'd do my next service for free. He said how about we just charge you for parts ? So I got a new tire and an oil change for $55.00.

Unfortunately for them but fortunately for me that mechanic has left the shop and gone out on his own. Now he makes house calls. He happened to be in town the other day and gave me a call to see if I needed an oil change on any of my scooters.

That's what I call great customer service. From the dealer and now from their former mechanic.
You are indeed lucky. The nearest shop I'd trust a Vespa to is an hour-and-a-quarter away (the local dealer appears not to know its arse from a hole in the ground). As I enjoy doing most wrenching myself and have all the tools, it makes no sense for me to make two long trips (or endure a long, uncertain wait) to go to the nearest competent shop for most work.

I'd love to be able to support a deserving local dealer, but it's a two-way street. They need to be competent and service-oriented enough to convince me that it is safe and convenient to trust my scooter to them. If they aren't, then they are not deserving, in my book.

BTW, I order a lot of parts from your local dealer.
@tomjasz avatar
UTC

Grievance Farmer
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
 
Grievance Farmer
@tomjasz avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
UTC quote
Dutch wrote:
Well I guess I'm in the minority on this issue. I've got a great dealer in The Athens Scooter Company.

Great customer service, and a great web site for finding parts! Very helpful by phone as well as email. Anyone having them as a local dealer is blessed.
UTC

Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
 
Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
UTC quote
Silver Streak,

My scoter -- if it won't start/run -- will have to be trailered into the shop also, as the closest Vespa 'dealer' is 60 miles away. Other better (and real) Vespa dealers might be in San Antonio (247 miles), Austin (215 miles) or New Braunfels (223 miles)...I say "might be" because don't know which are GOOD dealers as I have not been there to check them out, but those are the closest to me.

Consequently, if my Vespa MUST go to the shop, it's a trip to U-Haul to rent a MC trailer (VERY reasonable cost per day for those) and take a 'mini vacation' out of town for 2-3 days.

[I AM looking into one of those fold-up trailers (such as "Trailer in a Bag") but that's down the road, too]

So doing the small stuff myself here at home saves trailer rental, hotel room and gas money.

P.S. With the economy such as it is (dismal), why business owners/employees are so short-sighted when it comes to doing quality work, being reliable, honest, courteous and taking care of customers AFTER the sale -- is beyond my understanding. And it's just plain stupid...as it costs them the very $$ they are trying to make. Yes, it definitely IS a 2-way street: They shouldn't get ANY business unless they earn it. Much like people demanding respect: Earn it first, then get it.
@peterc avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2009 Vespa GTS 250, TBA
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2272
Location: Green Valley, AZ
 
Ossessionato
@peterc avatar
2009 Vespa GTS 250, TBA
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2272
Location: Green Valley, AZ
UTC quote
I can definitely sympathize with those who have no hesitation about paying a dealer for service, but are a bit uncertain about the staff's competence. The dealer from whom I bought my GTS is primarily a Harley dealer. When I bought my Vespa, I did not get the card that's supposed to accompany the blue and red keys. Dealer said no such card existed. Okay. Next, I couldn't find the tool kit. Dealer said that some Vespa models, such as the GTS, had no tool kit. Well, I went on line and found out where in the glove compartment the tool kit was hidden. I informed the dealer. Now they know. Maybe. At 600 miles, I brought the GTS in for its first warranty service. Service took 3 hours, at a cost of, as I recall, about $350. I'm fortunate to be able to afford to have my Vespa professionally serviced. But I would really like to feel more confident about the service facility's professionalism.
@scutrbrau avatar
UTC

The Beer Guy
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4744
Location: Nelson County, VA
 
The Beer Guy
@scutrbrau avatar
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4744
Location: Nelson County, VA
UTC quote
PeterC wrote:
At 600 miles, I brought the GTS in for its first warranty service. Service took 3 hours, at a cost of, as I recall, about $350.
Yikes. I just brought mine in for the 1000k service yesterday. They had quoted me $199 but it ended up at $170, I guess because the labor ended up being a bit less than they'd planned. It took 1.75 hours total.

My wife and I bought our scooters from two different dealers and our experience with this one was bad enough that we swore we wouldn't patronize them again. But the difference between a shop that's 30 miles away versus 70 had me rethinking this. Also, it was the salesman at the dealership that was really atrocious, not the rest of the crew, so I decided I'd give it a try. I'd rate my experience as okay - they aren't the friendliest bunch in the world and their waiting area consists of a crappy old office chair in the corner of the parts area - but I was happy that they came in lower than the quoted price and as far as I can tell the service was thorough.
UTC

Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
 
Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
UTC quote
PeterC,

You have every right to feel that way: When we pay for a product or service, we SHOULD have confidence in the product/service, AND get our money's worth.

I would like nothing more than to have complete confidence in car, MC and scooter dealerships...but in my lifetime experience, NONE have earned it. Even if they are good for a while they eventually will turn on you somehow, be it from a change in ownership/management or employees. Like my Father told me once MANY years ago (even THEN this same thing was an issue), "I stay with a dealer until they do me wrong, then go to another dealer...until THEY do me wrong."

Hopefully, we won't run out of dealers, but if we do, I guess we start the cycle over with the first one...which maybe has straightened out by then?

And so it goes...proceeding through life carrying a lantern (like Diogenes) and looking for a good honest dealership.

If nothing else, learning to do your own work would make you valuable in a situation like that TV show "The Colony," and much UNlike most of those useless people on the show (as unreal as that show is anyway). Razz emoticon
⚠️ Last edited by cloudcroft on UTC; edited 2 times
UTC

Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
 
Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
UTC quote
"...their waiting area consists of a crappy old office chair in the corner of the parts area" -- Chichikov

Sounds like the Houston Vespa 'dealer' -- except the chair was nicer...and you could look at new Ferraris and Maseratis a few feet from you while you waited for no one to wait on you.
@dutch avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
LXV 150 GTV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2471
Location: Logan OH USA
 
Ossessionato
@dutch avatar
LXV 150 GTV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2471
Location: Logan OH USA
UTC quote
By the same token I've got a friend with a Sym less than a year old that has what they think is a bad water pump.

I think it's been at the dealer for at least 2 weeks and no one seems to know what's wrong with it.

So they obviously haven't ordered any parts to fix it.

The scooter is my friends main transport so they are in a real fix.
@george_r avatar
UTC

Hooked
LXV 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 214
Location: Middletown, NJ
 
Hooked
@george_r avatar
LXV 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 214
Location: Middletown, NJ
UTC quote
Move to PA!
I too didn't like my local dealer in NJ shore area. I can't exactly say why... it was more an "uncomfortable feeling" than anything else.

A couple of weeks later I was back in PA to visit Mom, and came across a Vespa sign I hadn't noticed before. Went in to Lebanon Vespa and found Paul who made me feel very comfortable.

So we purchased a Vespa and a VersaHauler...

Yes, I actually hauled it back to Paul for the 600mi service. Will be doing the same for the next one soon.
@gogogordy avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
Reprehensible Misinformant
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7575
Location: Winchester, California
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@gogogordy avatar
Reprehensible Misinformant
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7575
Location: Winchester, California
UTC quote
Re: Move to PA!
George R wrote:
I too didn't like my local dealer in NJ shore area. I can't exactly say why... it was more an "uncomfortable feeling" than anything else.

A couple of weeks later I was back in PA to visit Mom, and came across a Vespa sign I hadn't noticed before. Went in to Lebanon Vespa and found Paul who made me feel very comfortable.

So we purchased a Vespa and a VersaHauler...

Yes, I actually hauled it back to Paul for the 600mi service. Will be doing the same for the next one soon.
Well done! Vote with your checkbook...it will keep the good dealers good, and wash the rest away through attrition.
OP
@whyme8504 avatar
UTC

Member
2006 BV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16
Location: Houston, TX
 
Member
@whyme8504 avatar
2006 BV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16
Location: Houston, TX
UTC quote
Alright, a good nights rest and a good slap to the face , I have realized that I was far to generic and harsh on my original post. It was a culmination of 4 years of frustration dealing with multiple people/dealers and a hell week at work. I would like to extend an apology to Chris at Vespa of Texas as he is probably the only person that I have delt with that actually cares to understand the business. Aside from dealing with the folks on the Ferrari end, usually the cause for the long waits, it is where I go for what I need. Hopefully he will get the space he needs to show off his bikes properly.

To cloudcroft, give Chris an email at vespaoftexas@yahoo.com and see what he can do for you. All of my gripes with the dealer went away when he took the reigns from Juan and Nolan. All of the other local shops however, I still have my differences with.
UTC

Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
 
Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
UTC quote
whyme8504,

I was talking about the Vespa 'showroom' there in Houston, not the shop...I never got past the 'showroom.'

They have 3 guys working there now? There was only 1 when I talked to someone on the phone (IIRC, in August 2009) -- a month before I bought my Vespa (elsewhere) -- but don't recall who it was.

I don't mind trying them a second time, but I don't need anything right now, parts or service (as I just did the First Service so I'm good for a good while). Will save their e-mail just in case. Going 60 miles to Houston would be better than going hundreds to those other cities.

Also, they (including the car dealership itself) really need to move out of that dump of an area they are in...that might help. Top-drawer expensive Italian cars/scooters shouldn't be in a low-rent district...it's not a welcoming place whatsoever. Poor intitial impressions before you even get out of your car.

I've talked about this in another post, however, so that's enough said here.

P.S. "Local" to me is Galveston Island...or Texas City (not too far across the Causeway) and MAYBE League City at most -- but I rarely go to the mainland. Houston is not "local." Neither is Sugar Land (SL), but if they had a Vespa dealer THERE, I'd check it out as I go to SL once a month or so.
@bunsen avatar
UTC

Hooked
Vespa GTS 250 2009
Joined: UTC
Posts: 455
Location: Asheville, NC
 
Hooked
@bunsen avatar
Vespa GTS 250 2009
Joined: UTC
Posts: 455
Location: Asheville, NC
UTC quote
cloudcroft wrote:
Silver Streak,

My scoter -- if it won't start/run -- will have to be trailered into the shop also, as the closest Vespa 'dealer' is 60 miles away. Other better (and real) Vespa dealers might be in San Antonio (247 miles), Austin (215 miles) or New Braunfels (223 miles)...I say "might be" because don't know which are GOOD dealers as I have not been there to check them out, but those are the closest to me.

Consequently, if my Vespa MUST go to the shop, it's a trip to U-Haul to rent a MC trailer (VERY reasonable cost per day for those) and take a 'mini vacation' out of town for 2-3 days.

[I AM looking into one of those fold-up trailers (such as "Trailer in a Bag") but that's down the road, too]

So doing the small stuff myself here at home saves trailer rental, hotel room and gas money.
P.S. With the economy such as it is (dismal), why business owners/employees are so short-sighted when it comes to doing quality work, being reliable, honest, courteous and taking care of customers AFTER the sale -- is beyond my understanding. And it's just plain stupid...as it costs them the very $$ they are trying to make. Yes, it definitely IS a 2-way street: They shouldn't get ANY business unless they earn it. Much like people demanding respect: Earn it first, then get it.
Maybe you should go ahead and order a fuel pump to have on hand just in case! I am not meachanically inclined, but I understand it is necessary to drop the engine to replace it, which sounds pretty involved to me. If you didn't feel like tackling it yourself, at least you would have the part to take with you to the shop!!
UTC

Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
 
Hooked
2009 Vespa GTS-250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 161
Location: Galveston, TX
UTC quote
Well, I hope MY GTS does not have the 'ticking time bomb fuel pump' in it...but you have a good idea there. If it's not TOO expensive, I can order one just in case. If it IS pretty expensive, then I will just wait until it goes -- if that happens -- and then HAVE to buy one.

Yeah, not sure I want to get into the work myself, but will look at the service manual to see how complicated it is. If it's mainly just lots of time to do the job, well, I've got plenty of that.
DoubleGood Design banner

Modern Vespa is the premier site for modern Vespa and Piaggio scooters. Vespa GTS300, GTS250, GTV, GT200, LX150, LXS, ET4, ET2, MP3, Fuoco, Elettrica and more.

Buy Me A Coffee
 

Shop on Amazon with Modern Vespa

Modern Vespa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com


All Content Copyright 2005-2025 by Modern Vespa.
All Rights Reserved.


[ Time: 0.0304s ][ Queries: 3 (0.0089s) ][ live ][ 327 ][ ThingOne ]