Purchasing a Buddy 125... HELP!

mlim · Post by **mlim** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:09 am

Hello Everyone, I am brand new to this community, but I am looking at purchasing a used, 2009 Buddy 125 for around $2000.

http://chico.craigslist.org/mcy/2934967844.html

Is this a good deal for this Buddy? Anyone have any tips? I am brand new to the scooter world and must admit I know NOTHING... thus I ask you for your kind and humble help.

TheSmokingArgus · Post by **TheSmokingArgus** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:34 am

A $30.00 helmet? LOL

The price seems reasonable to me, but would definitely ask to see the title, and take it for a test drive before transferring the cash for payment.

mlim · Post by **mlim** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:39 am

Great. Thanks for your help, I guess the electric starter isn't working at the moment, but that should be easy to fix? I offered $1700 for it... Wondering if I could have gone lower... What do you think?

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:51 am

The price is pretty good. Throw the helmet away! Used helmets are a bad idea and this probably wasn't worth the $30 she paid for it.

If it's been sitting for that long, even under a cover, you'll want to take it in for a basic maintenance and may need the carburetor cleaned. They get gunked up by sediments from old gas if the scooter's not properly prepped for storage.

If you can't test ride it, then observe the owner riding. Here's what you want to look for right off the bat:
Scooter starts easily with electric starter. (Means the battery's good.)
Scooter will idle, unassisted, on the center stand once started. They should start it and just let it run for a couple minutes. The idle will seem high (fast) at first, then lower. The scooter shouldn't stall.
Tires are in good shape.
Scooter should accelerate and brake well.
No unusual squeaking or rattling when the scooter's being ridden. Squeaky front brakes are pretty common, though. That's definitely not a deal killer.
Scooter has had at least one maintenance/oil change. If not, you should take it to a dealer ASAP before putting miles on it.

Your closest dealer might be the one in Redding.

pdxrita · Post by **pdxrita** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 2:39 am

mlim wrote:Great. Thanks for your help, I guess the electric starter isn't working at the moment, but that should be easy to fix? I offered $1700 for it... Wondering if I could have gone lower... What do you think?

Since it has sat unused since August, the battery is almost certainly dead, which is why the electric starter isn't working. You could try to charge the battery with a trickle charger, like Battery Tender Junior, or you could just replace it. Given how long it's probably been dead, it's a good possibility that it's beyond being revived with a recharge. Changing the battery is something you can do yourself. You can get a replacement pretty much anywhere that sells a variety of batteries. You do not need to go to a dealer for it. As for getting the carb cleaned and maintenance done, throw some Seafoam in the gas and try to run it. If it runs okay, then you probably don't need a carb cleaning. You might want to go ahead and change the oil, though. August 2011 is really not that long for it to sit, so there's a good chance it'll work without a lot of extra attention.

BTW - If the seller accepts $1,700, I'd say you're getting a good deal. From the pics, it looks like it's in good shape.

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 3:09 am

I bought my 2009 with that many miles for 2k but that was 3 years ago. How long has she had this? Either way, it's a fair asking price and $1700 is a fair offer. it will require some work as others have said but you'll have lots of life in this little scooter yet!

mlim · Post by **mlim** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:22 am

Thanks everyone for your help and advice, I bought it today for $1700 and couldn't be excited!

I was able to take it for a spin around the block and it ran great. I'll definitely replace the battery and get it tuned. Hopefully that will fix the starter issue. Thanks again!

Tam Tam · Post by **Tam Tam** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:28 am

Buddys are the best!!!! enjoy!

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:10 am

Congrats, and welcome to the forum!

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:19 am

Sounds like you got a great deal! Congrats and welcome to the family.

AlleyOops · Post by **AlleyOops** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:08 pm

Seems like a great deal to me!! Just get yourself a new helmet

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 5:43 pm

Congrats!!!

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:01 pm

mlim wrote:Thanks everyone for your help and advice, I bought it today for $1700 and couldn't be excited!

I was able to take it for a spin around the block and it ran great. I'll definitely replace the battery and get it tuned. Hopefully that will fix the starter issue. Thanks again!

GREAT deal. Congrats!
(I'm a bit jealous of the price. Not that I have $1700 and if I bring home another scooter, it should come with a divorce lawyer, but…

)

The battery may be able to be recharged, but once it's dead DEAD DEAD, it's beyond resurrection. Most Auto Shops will test and recharge them. A replacement may not be a bad idea, though, just to have something fresh and reliable. If you can kickstart it and it runs well, you're in fine shape, though.

Modern Buddy

Purchasing a Buddy 125... HELP!

Purchasing a Buddy 125... HELP!

Enjoy!!!