Modern Vespa

Hello, I've just recently joined this as I am the cusp of getting my first Vespa and more excited I could not be. I'm looking to get an LX 150 after spending the last two years riding a 50cc Honda Jazz (Metropolitan).

I know things are slow and it's a buyers market so I'm a bit torn as to what a reasonable price is for a new or barely used Vespa. In Canada, a LX 150ie has an MSRP of $5700C with the carburetor versions being offered with a $500 clearance discount. However, none of the dealers here in Victoria has any in stock so there's no old merchandise they are desperate to clear out. There is a nice silver model about an hour's drive away that they might be willing to dicker over to get it out the door.

While I prefer the LX, there is a used 2008 red S150 with only 2000 km on it available from a dealer for $3600 after they failed to sell it at $4300 and then $4000. It's not really the bike I want but it seems to me that's kind of a benchmark for similar Vespas.

Of all the ones being currently advertised, the one that has really caught my eye is a used 2009 black LX 150 that also has 2000 km on it. It's in really good condition and has a very smooth ride (with no roughness at slow speed). However, the woman is asking $4700, which seems way too high to me. At that price, I might as well get a new one, especially since it doesn't have any extras like a top case. I don't think she realizes how poor the market is and didn't seem too interested in dropping her price significantly.

I have been watching Craigslist all summer and have yet to see a Vespa 150 sell at all. Nor have I seen one sell at a dealership. I'm beginning to suspect I am the market for 150s on Vancouver Island.

Should I be willing to pay a bit more for the black one if that's really the one I've set my heart on or should I go for the good deal on the S150 even if red isn't really the colour I had in mind? I know only I can really answer that question but I'd love to hear any input or recommendations when it comes to bartering.

And what would be a reasonable price to pay for the 2010 silver model at the dealership? The $5100 wouldn't seem so bad if it weren't for the various additional shipping and setup fees. Would it be too much to expect them to bargain those fees away and perhaps throw in a free first service and a deal on a top case?

If the scoot is for sale, somebody wants to part with it. Don't be shy about making an offer 20 percent or more below asking price. If you have the cash and can make a no-hassle purchase, you'd be surprised how flexible sellers can be.

All they can do is say no or make a counter offer.

Of course, you could wait until November. The bottom tends to fall out of the bike market once the leaves fall. No kidding. If you can wait until February, you'll do even better.

What a great city to cycle in, let alone scooter around!

If you are thinking about riding outside of the city (say, the Malahat) then you'll definitely want more than 150cc. I'd be thinking used GT250ie. A 150 would probably be sufficient for runs down the Saanich Peninsula and around the city itself.

Regardless of the model you are interested in, you might have better luck sourcing one in Vancouver and bringing it across on the ferry. There is a strong scooter community in the greater Vancouver area, and there should be more scooters available for sale.

I'm not sure what the theft rate is like in Victoria - it used to be pretty high when I lived there in the 80's. Keep in mind that the S150 does not have the ignition lock immobilizer that is standard on the LX150. I'd offer a lower price on the LX and see what the owner says. The worse they can say is no.

Doogster-

Welcome. Do you know of this group in your area?

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/ScootersVancouverIslandStyle/

They may very well be able to assist you. Great bunch. We've ridden with them in the past.

Al

Welcome Doogster from a fellow Canadian.

Both the LX and S 150's are great scooters, you really can't go wrong with either. They will ride the same as the mechanicals are all the same. As Michael pointed out, the S doesn't have the immobilizer chip in the key that the LX does, other differences are purely cosmetic. If it was me and it was my first scooter, I'd be going with a used one. The reality is that many people on their first bike will drop it at some point, it would be slightly less painful emotionally if it was used rather than brand spanking new if that happened.

Thanks for everyone's input. I hope to make a purchase soon and post some pictures of my new baby. It's a bit worrying, though, to see how slow the Vespa market is around here.