Modern Buddy

My beloved Buddy was stolen back in August and I've been on the hunt to replace it. About a week and a half ago, I came across a great deal on a 2006 Buddy that looks to be in great shape with low mileage via Craigslist.

I (and my dad) have each sent a few e-mails and the seller hasn't responded to either of us. Since I started inquiring, the ad has been updated so I know it's still available. The ad has no phone number but does show a general map of where the seller is located. I am in Chicago so it's not exactly scooter season at this point so it's not as if there's a huge market for it right now.

I've tried changing the subject of the e-mail, removing the Craigslist link and including my phone number to help prevent it from going into spam and to give the seller another way to contact me. But no such luck.

Any thoughts or ideas?! I'm getting so frustrated.

If the ad uses CL's email, it's probably gone into his spam folder. It happened to me.

Try posting an "ad" of your own in reference to the seller's. Ask him to either respond to your ad, or ask him to double-check his email/junk folder.

I would go to the general area and start knocking on everyone's door. I would just explain to everyone that someone on craigslist will not respond to your emails and that is why you are there.

ScooterDave wrote:I would go to the general area and start knocking on everyone's door. I would just explain to everyone that someone on craigslist will not respond to your emails and that is why you are there.

Or, instead of knocking on every door (funny!) you could keep on looking and consider it a "To good to be true" or "Wasn't meant to be" scooter.

ScooterDave wrote:I would go to the general area and start knocking on everyone's door. I would just explain to everyone that someone on craigslist will not respond to your emails and that is why you are there.

Wow, that could be a lot of doors. And, based on my recent electioneering door belling experience, you're lucky to have 5 out of 20 people answer the door. Instead, I would go with Charlie55's suggestion: put an ad in CL's same category and same area section and say you'd like to get ahold of the guy selling the scooter as he's not answering your e-mails and you're a serious cash-in-hand buyer. I'll bet you'll get an answer the same day! On the other hand, it's possible the seller has experienced a sudden, serious medical situation and isn't capable of responding. Let's hope not.

Bill in Seattle
'14 170i Hooligan Matte Green

Sometimes on craigslist, the seller is really selling something other than what his post says. He may be selling something other than the scooter.

wheelbender6 wrote:Sometimes on craigslist, the seller is really selling something other than what his post says. He may be selling something other than the scooter.

Interesting theory. Are you suggesting that there may be code words within his description that a certain class of buyers are looking for and will respond to? Non-scooter buyers that is.

Bill in Seattle

Yes. They sometimes are selling contraband.

Bet it was sold and the seller left it on the site

Thanks for all of your advice, everyone. This never-ending Craigslist saga has a happy ending!

After sending several e-mails with no response, I decided it was too good to be true and to let it go. My boyfriend sent one last e-mail and miraculously got a response. My dad met the guy yesterday, sealed the deal and took it home! It's a 2006 Buddy with about 1100 miles. I paid $700. Total steal. I haven't seen it in person but my dad says it looks fantastic. Just a little dirty from sitting for a while.

You will probably need new tires, maybe a new belt too

jelee wrote:Thanks for all of your advice, everyone.
It's a 2006 Buddy with about 1100 miles. I paid $700. Total steal.

So is this a 2006 (first year Buddy with the smaller headlight) or a 2016 shown under your scooter model?

Joined: 04 Aug 2016
Posts: 4
Location: Chicago, IL
2016 Buddy 125

Either way this is a great deal! Be safe & enjoy!

MYSCTR wrote:

jelee wrote:Thanks for all of your advice, everyone.
It's a 2006 Buddy with about 1100 miles. I paid $700. Total steal.

So is this a 2006 (first year Buddy with the smaller headlight) or a 2016 shown under your scooter model?

Joined: 04 Aug 2016
Posts: 4
Location: Chicago, IL
2016 Buddy 125

Either way this is a great deal! Be safe & enjoy!

She says it's a 2006 in the post above... and in the original post.
(and looks like a 2006 in the pic.)
But we get your point :)

jelee wrote:Thanks for all of your advice, everyone. This never-ending Craigslist saga has a happy ending!

After sending several e-mails with no response, I decided it was too good to be true and to let it go. My boyfriend sent one last e-mail and miraculously got a response. My dad met the guy yesterday, sealed the deal and took it home! It's a 2006 Buddy with about 1100 miles. I paid $700. Total steal. I haven't seen it in person but my dad says it looks fantastic. Just a little dirty from sitting for a while.

Nicely done! You might have some work ahead of you to make it tip-top, but at that price, who cares?

great deal.

Christophers wrote:

MYSCTR wrote:

jelee wrote:Thanks for all of your advice, everyone.
It's a 2006 Buddy with about 1100 miles. I paid $700. Total steal.

So is this a 2006 (first year Buddy with the smaller headlight) or a 2016 shown under your scooter model?

Joined: 04 Aug 2016
Posts: 4
Location: Chicago, IL
2016 Buddy 125

Either way this is a great deal! Be safe & enjoy!

She says it's a 2006 in the post above... and in the original post.
(and looks like a 2006 in the pic.)
But we get your point

Oops. Guess I need to change that. The one I just bought is a 2006 to replace my 2016 that got stolen last year.

skully93 wrote:

jelee wrote:Thanks for all of your advice, everyone. This never-ending Craigslist saga has a happy ending!

After sending several e-mails with no response, I decided it was too good to be true and to let it go. My boyfriend sent one last e-mail and miraculously got a response. My dad met the guy yesterday, sealed the deal and took it home! It's a 2006 Buddy with about 1100 miles. I paid $700. Total steal. I haven't seen it in person but my dad says it looks fantastic. Just a little dirty from sitting for a while.

Nicely done! You might have some work ahead of you to make it tip-top, but at that price, who cares?

great deal.

Thanks! I'm thrilled. I think the seller just really wanted it off his hands. It looks and seems to run great but I plan to take it to Scooterworks in the spring to be sure.