Good deal or not?

carter11492 · Post by **carter11492** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 7:55 am

There is a craigslist ad for a 2007 buddy 125 for 1500. They said that it had been layed over once and it has about 400 miles on it. Not sure if it would be a good deal or not. Just looking for some advice, thanks.

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:00 pm

If it was 'layed over' (which is a nice way of saying 'crashed') you'd want to be very careful to check the alignment, that the frame was straight, engine cases aren't damaged, etc. A lot can happen, even in a minor crash, aside from cosmetic damage, and it's nearly impossible to tell at a glance if everything's OK, you'd want someone experienced to check it out.

Also, I'm always wary of low-mileage scooters, even if it really is a bike that someone bought, rode 400 miles, gently crashed, and let sit in the garage for five years, even if there's not something wrong with it, it's probably going to need a carb cleaning and a new battery, at the least.

But if it checks out OK, that's probably a fair price.

Bb.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 1:47 pm

if the crash damage isn't bad, it could be a good deal.

I would ask "when was the last time you had it serviced/checked out?"

If the answer is more than a year, I'd either have someone in the know check it out, or offer to make up 1/2 the price of doing so at a local shop if you buy it.

It could be a great deal. Maybe the person never learned to ride, toppled over, and has since been afraid to get back on the horse. Or maybe they screwed it up.

Lab Rat · Post by **Lab Rat** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 2:19 pm

If you're looking for a bargain, this one 'might' be worth a look. It definitely caught my eye. I don't know anything about it other than the CL ad. I'm trying to sell my Silverwing and pick up a Buddy, so I've been watching the ads for a while. $1500 for one that's been down sounds a little high. http://tulsa.craigslist.org/mcy/3128378658.html

iMoses · Post by **iMoses** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 2:53 pm

Sounds iffy to me. Is there a dealer in your area? Or a mechanic you know who could take a look? And scooter shop like Harkeys Machine (in OKC), he's a good guy and owns and works on scooters.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 3:49 pm

Lab Rat wrote:$1500 for one that's been down sounds a little high.

Darned straight $1500 sounds high. '06 and '07 Buddys around here go for about $1500-$1800 in decent rideable condition depending on mileage and minor condition issues. Start subtracting parts and labor for repairs from those numbers for a bike that has had a significant spill. And that assumes no frame damage, and no engine/transmission damage. Anything like that and we are talking salvage value.