Looking to buy a scooter and need advice!

[Omnipotentcow]

Hi everyone!

I have am looking to buy a scooter for the next riding season (Spring 2013). I have been doing research for a while now at different scooters, and I could use your advice!

I would ideally love to get an orange ("tangerine") buddy 125 cc or stella.

I have $2500-$3000 to spend, and I was wondering:

1) How does a buddy 125 cc used compare to a new lance 2013 (cost comes to about the same) but now lance has a 2 year warranty too.

2) Kelly blue book value for 2012 170i and 2009 black jack are almost identical ($2565 vs $2485). I can't figure out why. Could anyone offer more insight?

3) The costs of stella on craigslist are all over the place. A 2004 2 strokes sold in 4 hours for $2000 and 2009s are priced at $2500 and not selling (similar miles). Am I missing something about pricing?

4) If I want to buy the scooter for the next riding season, when would be the best time to buy? Since chances are I will be winterizing the scooter if I buy it this year, should I just hold off until January/February?


5) If I buy a scooter on craigslist, I understand that I will need to pay the DMV fee for the title transfer, but will I also need to pay a registration fee? I am from chicago, and the illinois dmv webpage is not clear about what fees need to be paid when doing a private sale.

I tried searching the forums for answers to these questions, but I am sorry if I asked anything that has already been answered in the past.

I look forward to being a more active part of this community! Thank you all for your help!

[fossel]

my son bought a new buddy 125 and I belive it was about 3000 out the door. I bought a used buddy 125 for 1700 with 245 miles on it.If you look at craigslist you'll find a good one.I think people would sell them in winter,but I dont know your area to much.I was going to buy a lance and was talk into a buddy by a scooter mechanic because you can get parts.I do see alot of cali classics on the coast here. I had to pay registration here in cali.

[Drum Pro]

The build quality of the Buddy and Stella is far better than a Lance. But that shouldn't put you off one if that's what you want. I would hold off till you find a deal since your in an area that has a riding season or look for a well maintained used scoot if a warranty isn't importaint to you. Take your time, do your "homework" on different models and brands. Go to the dealers and sit on different ones to find whats most comfortable for you. You get what you pay for when it comes to scoots and you'll find that some so called deals aren't deals at all if the scoot is in the shop more often than your riding it. It can be a fustrating thing with warranty repair. Sym, Kymco, Genuine, Honda, Yamaha and Vespa are going to be your best bet as far as parts and reliability is concerned. Although Vespa are more on the expensive/luxurious side. All bikes lose value after time and use. Vespas included. Just go into it knowing a little bit what you expect from the scoot and if your the type to wrench and tweek or want the no hassle twist n go. I hope this helps and I'm sure there are others who'll chime in who can answer your questions better than I can. Good luck

[Robbie]

Hi everyone!

I have am looking to buy a scooter for the next riding season (Spring 2013). I have been doing research for a while now at different scooters, and I could use your advice!

I would ideally love to get an orange ("tangerine") buddy 125 cc or stella.

I have $2500-$3000 to spend, and I was wondering:

1) How does a buddy 125 cc used compare to a new lance 2013 (cost comes to about the same) but now lance has a 2 year warranty too.

2) Kelly blue book value for 2012 170i and 2009 black jack are almost identical ($2565 vs $2485). I can't figure out why. Could anyone offer more insight?

3) The costs of stella on craigslist are all over the place. A 2004 2 strokes sold in 4 hours for $2000 and 2009s are priced at $2500 and not selling (similar miles). Am I missing something about pricing?

4) If I want to buy the scooter for the next riding season, when would be the best time to buy? Since chances are I will be winterizing the scooter if I buy it this year, should I just hold off until January/February?


5) If I buy a scooter on craigslist, I understand that I will need to pay the DMV fee for the title transfer, but will I also need to pay a registration fee? I am from chicago, and the illinois dmv webpage is not clear about what fees need to be paid when doing a private sale.

I tried searching the forums for answers to these questions, but I am sorry if I asked anything that has already been answered in the past.

I look forward to being a more active part of this community! Thank you all for your help!

Stop by Scooterworks on N. Damen.....that's our local Buddy dealer in the Chicagoland area.

I think you'll find you can buy a new Buddy with that kind of money.

Rob

[hardd1]

sit on both the buddy and the lance (sym) havana 125's....both are equal in build quality....the buddy is faster vs the havana is physically larger...you will know the right fit

[neotrotsky]

A Buddy 125 should be able to be had for about 2800 to 3000 with taxes and everything involved if you find a good deal. As far as the Stella: Unless you're handy with a wrench I would stay away from them as a daily driver. Not that they're bad bikes... quite the contrary! I think the Stella and the P-series Vespa they were derived from are some of the best bikes in history! But, they do take constant tinkering and maintenance, moreso than a twist n' go. Sort of like a vintage VW.

I see you have SYM on the list. have you given the Symba or Fiddle II a look? If you like the retro-cachet of the Stella, the Symba would be a great fit as well. The Fiddle II is pretty much Sym's offer to the Buddy and the Vespa LX150. Nothing but good things from owners of both bikes.

Also, if you're worried about cash, have you checked out some of Kymco's offerings? Great quality and they have the Like 200i (fuel injected 163cc auto with retro styling) for about the same price as a Buddy 125, and they also have the Agility 125cc that has a similar top end of the Buddy with a more modern style for $1899

[Omnipotentcow]

Hi everyone!

I have am looking to buy a scooter for the next riding season (Spring 2013). I have been doing research for a while now at different scooters, and I could use your advice!

I would ideally love to get an orange ("tangerine") buddy 125 cc or stella.

I have $2500-$3000 to spend, and I was wondering:

1) How does a buddy 125 cc used compare to a new lance 2013 (cost comes to about the same) but now lance has a 2 year warranty too.

2) Kelly blue book value for 2012 170i and 2009 black jack are almost identical ($2565 vs $2485). I can't figure out why. Could anyone offer more insight?

3) The costs of stella on craigslist are all over the place. A 2004 2 strokes sold in 4 hours for $2000 and 2009s are priced at $2500 and not selling (similar miles). Am I missing something about pricing?

4) If I want to buy the scooter for the next riding season, when would be the best time to buy? Since chances are I will be winterizing the scooter if I buy it this year, should I just hold off until January/February?


5) If I buy a scooter on craigslist, I understand that I will need to pay the DMV fee for the title transfer, but will I also need to pay a registration fee? I am from chicago, and the illinois dmv webpage is not clear about what fees need to be paid when doing a private sale.

I tried searching the forums for answers to these questions, but I am sorry if I asked anything that has already been answered in the past.

I look forward to being a more active part of this community! Thank you all for your help!

Stop by Scooterworks on N. Damen.....that's our local Buddy dealer in the Chicagoland area.

I think you'll find you can buy a new Buddy with that kind of money.

Rob

Thanks for the advice so far everyone!

I actually went to scooterworks a couple weeks ago while I was still researching the different companies. I was told that a 2013 buddy 125cc was $3589.64 OTD after the additional fees, tax, and title/registration.

I guess I should clarify that I am buying this scooter for my girlfriend as a surprise. She has always wanted an orange vespa, but stellas/piaggios are out of my price range at this time (I still want to try and get the vintage-style though). I've read that after Lance started using Sym's manufactured parts, it has really improved its reputation.

Personally, I liked the buddy in terms of size and style. Added bonus, it also comes in the color that I want to buy. However, I can't tell if getting a used buddy is worth the risk compared to a new lance (havana). If anyone has any experience buying a used buddy on craigslist and has insight into a used buddy longevity/possible unforseen costs (not counting the 500 mile oil change), I would appreciate it! Also, if there are any specifics on if certain year buddys are better than others. I see a lot of 2009s but not as many 2010, 2011, and I have been wondering why.

[Omnipotentcow]

A Buddy 125 should be able to be had for about 2800 to 3000 with taxes and everything involved if you find a good deal. As far as the Stella: Unless you're handy with a wrench I would stay away from them as a daily driver. Not that they're bad bikes... quite the contrary! I think the Stella and the P-series Vespa they were derived from are some of the best bikes in history! But, they do take constant tinkering and maintenance, moreso than a twist n' go. Sort of like a vintage VW.

I see you have SYM on the list. have you given the Symba or Fiddle II a look? If you like the retro-cachet of the Stella, the Symba would be a great fit as well. The Fiddle II is pretty much Sym's offer to the Buddy and the Vespa LX150. Nothing but good things from owners of both bikes.

Also, if you're worried about cash, have you checked out some of Kymco's offerings? Great quality and they have the Like 200i (fuel injected 163cc auto with retro styling) for about the same price as a Buddy 125, and they also have the Agility 125cc that has a similar top end of the Buddy with a more modern style for $1899

Good advice on the Stella! I hear everywhere that it is a durable behemoth, but this is the first I've heard that it requires tinkering. That pretty much takes it out of the running since I want to gift a bike that is largely without problems. Personally, if this was for me, I think the Stella personality is perfect.

When you say $2800-$3000 for buddy, was that approximation on a new or used scoot?


For the Sym Fiddle II, I checked it out at Second City Scooter when I went to see the Lance. I liked that the Sym is slightly smaller than the lance (more in-style with the buddy), but the additional $400 compared to lance took it out of the running. I am under the assumption that they are both the same under the hood, Sym just has the brand name to increase the cost.

I think I will have to go back to Scooterworks and check out the Kymco. I didn't see a 200i when I went. I wanted a more vintage vibe compared to agility. I liked the people 150 design, but it was just as expensive as buddy so that took it out of the running.

[JHScoot]

1) A Buddy would be a bit more flickable and manuverable, so to speak. One of the most fun scooters to ride. The Lance (i assume its a Cali Classic or Havana) won't have as much pop off the line, and you may see a bit lower top speed, stock.

2) I gather the BlackJack is a special edition and somewhat sought after in the used market as its out of production

3) idk but i am guessing mileage, condition, and mods make a difference. its kind of a special scooter

4) I would hold off if the scooter is not needed until next year. great deals and extras are often given in off season

5) idk


how tall is the person you are buying the scoot for? inseam?

[TVB]

Personally, I liked the buddy in terms of size and style. Added bonus, it also comes in the color that I want to buy.

It sounds superficial, but color really matters. It's always the first question I ask whenever someone tells me they've bought a car or house. But then, I'm an artist at heart.

However, I can't tell if getting a used buddy is worth the risk compared to a new lance (havana). If anyone has any experience buying a used buddy on craigslist and has insight into a used buddy longevity/possible unforseen costs (not counting the 500 mile oil change), I would appreciate it!

I can only speak for myself, but the longevity of my Buddy (purchased new 3 years ago) has been excellent, and the unforeseen costs have been negligible. After 17.5K miles of riding, the only parts I've had to replace were the ones you are expected to replace (brake pads, tires, filters, sparks, etc), or due to mishap (brake lever or mirror snapped when it tipped over).

Also, if there are any specifics on if certain year buddys are better than others. I see a lot of 2009s but not as many 2010, 2011, and I have been wondering why.

It's mostly because there was a huge boom in scooter sales in 2008 (as gas prices spiked), so dealer orders in 2009 followed suit... but sales didn't (as the economy tanked). As a result, most scooter dealers had leftover 2009 inventory in 2010 and 2011, and didn't order many additional new ones. For the Buddy at least, there is no noteworthy difference between those model years.

[neotrotsky]

If you are buying it for someone else, keep in mind that the Buddy (or any of the other scooters suggested, with exception to the Stella being spot on the same dynamic as the P-series) is *not* a Vespa. It is not a steel bodied scooter like the Vespa, does not ride exactly the same, and doesn't have the name "Vespa" on the side. That alone is a turn off for many people, no matter how much better a Buddy or Kymco is in comparison to a Piaggio product.

And, no scooter is "maintenance free". Some are very easy to maintain, but maintenance is required.

[Dooglas]

Neotrotsky is right to point out the expectations of the rider. Does she have her heart set on a Vespa? Also, does she have any riding experience? Would a manual shift scooter such as the Stella present an extra challenge. If this scooter will be a "learner", it may be in for a couple minor drops. All things to think about.

[TVB]

2) Kelly blue book value for 2012 170i and 2009 black jack are almost identical ($2565 vs $2485). I can't figure out why. Could anyone offer more insight?

The BlackJack version has a loyal following, but has been discontinued, and that combination could account for its resale value being higher than you'd otherwise expect.

[Drum Pro]

2) Kelly blue book value for 2012 170i and 2009 black jack are almost identical ($2565 vs $2485). I can't figure out why. Could anyone offer more insight?

The BlackJack version has a loyal following, but has been discontinued, and that combination could account for its resale value being higher than you'd otherwise expect.

+ the upgrades that came standard on it...

[Omnipotentcow]

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

If I can get a good deal on a Stella, I might still get it and teach her how to shift. However, I am definitely wary of the need to tinker with it regularly.


Can anyone answer my last question? What needs to be done to legally ride a scooter bought through private purchase in Illinois? I know I need to transfer title, but do I also need to register it/do anything else?

Thank you!

[Robbie]

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

If I can get a good deal on a Stella, I might still get it and teach her how to shift. However, I am definitely wary of the need to tinker with it regularly.


Can anyone answer my last question? What needs to be done to legally ride a scooter bought through private purchase in Illinois? I know I need to transfer title, but do I also need to register it/do anything else?

Thank you!

Take the title to a currency exchange or a facility like Elston Avenue vehicle services facility.
They will have you fill out a form for your new title.....they will have you fill out a form for your plates/registration.
At a Illinois facility, the plates are issued on site.....currency exchanges will have you return in a few days to pick up your plate.

You will pay for title transfer, used vehicle tax (based on vehicle age) and plare/registration.

Rob

[agrogod]

If you are buying it for someone else, keep in mind that the Buddy (or any of the other scooters suggested, with exception to the Stella being spot on the same dynamic as the P-series) is *not* a Vespa. It is not a steel bodied scooter like the Vespa, does not ride exactly the same, and doesn't have the name "Vespa" on the side. That alone is a turn off for many people, no matter how much better a Buddy or Kymco is in comparison to a Piaggio product.

And, no scooter is "maintenance free". Some are very easy to maintain, but maintenance is required.

This has been brought up before about buying for someone else. You may want to 'drive by', let's say Scooterworks, with the girlfriend, and as a 'spur of the moment' thing say something to her about stopping in that place to just have a look at the scoots.

Then you could judge her reaction to the available models to see if a non Vespa would be to her liking, or if she's dead set on the Vespa only. No sense in buying something new or used for someone and they end up hating the gift you give.

And I can't believe that no one in the Chicago area has not bought a used vehicle (it can be any type of vehicle fees are fees), to answer your #5 question.