Out the Door Price for Blackjack-- Please advise!

[aprilatlanta37]

I am going to my local dealer tomorrow and I'll apply for a loan for the Blackjack. The out the door cost will be $4117. This includes a promotion where I get the windshield and some other accessories thrown in. I'm wondering whether or not I should pay this much. I like the 150 Blackjack, but the 125 cc Buddy's are closer to the $3000 mark. Please let me know what you think about the price...
thanks,
april in atlanta

[ericalm]

I'm not sure what the tax rate is there and whether title and registration are included, but that out the door price does seem pretty much on the mark compared to what we pay here in CA.

As to whether you should pay that much, well… I'm not much of a fan of financing scooters but it really depends on how much you can bear. The Buddy 125s are great scooters; the big advantage of the BlackJack is in styling and handling. If you're a new rider, you may not need that extra performance.

On the other hand, if you're financing your monthly payment may not be that much different if you get the BlackJack, depending on downpayment, interest, etc. So it's probably best to calculate the difference and decide what fits best with your monthly budget.

[aprilatlanta37]

Thanks so much for the reply! I guess I'm itching to buy now because Genuine is still offering all the extra accessories. I'm going to look at other Buddys besides the Blackjack and see how they fit. Where I live, there are lots of 55 mph stretches of road, so I want to make sure my scooter can keep up with traffic!

[ericalm]

It kind of depends on if they're 55mph roads that people drive 55-60mph on or if they're 55mph roads that people drive 70-80mph on. 55-60 is reasonable for any of the Buddy models. The differences in top speed are pretty small.

[aprilatlanta37]

I know what you mean. Most people do stay within 55-60mph because the stretch I'm using is a bit of a speed trap. It goes from a 35mph to a 45mph to a 55mph and then back to 35mph all within 12 miles.
My scooter dreams have been temporarily derailed because I got turned down for financing today. I'm bummed. I even bought a Scorpion helmet off craigslist for $50 today because I had my hopes up. It's matte black, just like the Blackjack. Ah well, as we say in Georgia, "Tomorrow IS another day."
Thanks again for replying!
-april

[gr8dog]

I know it is great to be the first owner of a brand new vehicle. My Buddy is the first time I ever bought a new vehicle. However, if price is holding you back, consider a low mileage used Buddy. I've seen 125's with under 1000 miles going for as low as $2000. I have done 200 mile runs on 55mph roads on my 125. On flat roads it can maintain real 55mph speeds. That's around 63mph on the speedo. Hills and headwinds will hold the speed down to about 50mph.

I know you already bought the helmet. Buying a used helmet is one of those things I stay away from. Not knowing the helmets history is what puts me off. A new "good quality" helmet will cost $150 and up. That's just a rough estimate from my shopping experience. I am looking at the Shoei RF1000. The best price I have seen so far is $229. I'm hoping it drops below $200. If it does that I will but immediately. It eases my mind knowing my most important piece of safety gear has never been in an accident.

Anyway, enough rambling. Get the one that paints the biggest smile on your face and ride the snot out of it.

[gr8dog]

Oh, I just got the "Tomorrow IS another day." reference. I'm still on my first cup of coffee.

[TVB]

Oh, I just got the "Tomorrow IS another day." reference. I'm still on my first cup of coffee.

Frankly, we don't give a damn.

[aprilatlanta37]

I think waiting for a used scooter is a very solid idea. I've been very impatient about this process so far. By next month, I should have the $2000 cash saved up to get a used Buddy.
I lived in Japan for 7 years and fell in love with riding scooters there. Seeing the world from 2 wheels is awesome, isn't it?
About the helmet, the guy I bought if from got it for his wife and it didn't fit her so she never used it. I inspected it thouroughly and wore it awhile before I agreed it buy it. It fits me snugly, is comfortable, and doesn't obstruct my vision at all. I know the lid is the most important piece of gear, so I wouldn't buy one that didn't suit me or that had already conformed to the shape of someone else's head.
I appreciate everyone's comments so much! I love this site!

[aprilatlanta37]

"Get the one that paints the biggest smile on your face and ride the snot out of it."
Now that is GREAT advice!

[gr8dog]

Oh, I just got the "Tomorrow IS another day." reference. I'm still on my first cup of coffee.

Frankly, we don't give a damn.

Fiddle Dee Dee TVB