New VS Used?

squidsie · Post by **squidsie** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 10:41 pm

After a long time of being in love with the Stella, and then the Yamaha Vino 125... I have officially decided on the Buddy 150cc!

I really love the Internationals. My perfect Buddy would be the Saint Tropez! The two tone blues are just a beauty! I know those are hard to come by. I have $1,000 saved thus far...

This leads me tho my questions:

Should I keep saving and maybe even finance a NEW Buddy which I could purchase at a Genuine dealer 40 miles outside from where I live?
Now I know the Internationals come in the latest 170i. Those are quite expensive though and I am probably looking at $4000 after fees and what not (my guess). Of course, the greatest part about the new purchase is the 2 year warranty/roadside assistance.

OR

Should I keep saving up and hope I find a really nice 150cc (Saint Tropez, I hope) with very low miles, in excellent condition, and hope it lasts me a very long time?

I am not planning on buying my scooter for some time as I should continue to save. I am setting up to take the MSF course soon. This will be my first scooter and I am really excited and I just want to make the right decision! Plus, I appreciate all of your opinions!

chub1965 · Post by **chub1965** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 11:06 pm

congrats on deciding to pull the trigger.i dont know about cali but in richmond,va you can find many used scoots on craigslist with less than 1000 miles on them.the buddies are very reliable and unless you are very unlucky you wont need the warranty.that being said if you are going to spend the money may as well get exactly what you want.

fossel · Post by **fossel** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 11:33 pm

when I was looking to buy a used buddy 125,there were a few internationals for sale.two were st tropez,but I havnt seen any for sale down here for a while.1200. would have bought one,but I paid 1700.for a 125 with 275 miles on it.Ive riden it hard 80 miles a day to work mostly wide open,it still purrrrrs 4800 miles in 4 months. i love my buddy and will buy the fuel injected 170 when this one is done,

rentonhighlander · Post by **rentonhighlander** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 11:52 pm

If you have patience then just wait you will eventually find a deal and if you look long enough you'll be able to tell right away when someone posts a deal. I was saving my money to pay cash for a 50cc next spring when I saw a 2009 Black Buddy 50cc advertised for $1000 and it only had 280 miles on it. It had never even been de-restricted. I paid $950 for the bike and also had a helmet, cover, and 2T oil thrown in. I changed the gear oil as soon as I got home and have since put another 500+ miles on it in less than a month. I already had the money saved because I had been expecting to pay closer to $2000 next year but was surprised to find such a sweet deal because I had been watching the market for a few months. Fortunately for me I'm riding my scoot this year instead of next.

mhardgrove · Post by **mhardgrove** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 11:53 pm

You can always put a ad up that you want a specific model and see if you get anyone that messages you? If it's CL, just play it safe and meet up in a public place (police station parking lots work great).

I believe the 150 internationals were made in 09, so they should under $2,000 by now used. I read at times where people snag a brand new one just sitting on a dealer showroom for much less than a 11-12.

If your going for used and the scooter has low miles you will most likely need to get things like a battery if it has sat for a long period of time and possibly the gas drained, new fuel filter, and carb jets cleaned. All of which can easily be done by a genuine dealer or yourself if your mechanically inclined. Things like rubber rot and engine seals shouldn't be a concern if your looking at a few year old buddy.

You will see tons of Buddies (along with other scooters) with super low miles online. Many people bought them in 08-09 when gas hit record highs and for one reason or another they never actually rode them. Minus a warranty I would almost buy one of these rather than one at retail if I had it to do over again (bought mine new). Reason for my thinking is that the PGO (Genuine) is a really good quality machine and other than not being ridden there isn't anything wrong with them, parts supply for this scooter is good (Scooterworks in Chicago is the importer along with a decent dealer network). In Denver I am seeing the 125cc for $1,500+, which is about half retail for a low mile scooter.

But, with new your get a warranty, and the knowledge that it's never been dropped/wrecked/ridden hard by a moron, but pay the retail price.

pdxrita · Post by **pdxrita** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 2:37 am

I'd go with used. Since you indicated that you're in no rush, start keeping an eye on Craigslist. A good deal on one will surface eventually. I'd suggest not grabbing one with low miles due to the reasons stated above. A scooter that has been sitting will need some work. On the other hand, one with some miles on it, say about 1,000 per year, will probably not need carb cleaning or a new battery. Also, if it has some mileage on it, the original owner has likely already dealt with any issues that might have required warranty work, so the warranty won't be important. The only other consideration is whether you are the kind of person who's willing to attempt some of your own repairs. If you are, then used is great. If you're a person who won't even so much as attempt an oil change, you might want to consider new.

squidsie · Post by **squidsie** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 5:19 pm

Thanks for everyone's replies! I found out that the Saint Tropez is not offered in the 170i, and was last made in 2009. So at this point USED is the only option as I'm sure there are no new ones available nowadays. I will keep my eyes peeled on here and Craigslist and hope I will have some luck!

Demo_Nic · Post by **Demo_Nic** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:35 am

Squidsie there was a St. Tropez for sale at the Genuine dealerships in SD a couple weeks back. I'll see if I can find the ad.

Demo_Nic · Post by **Demo_Nic** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:41 am

Here's one:

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/3084910897.html

I don't know the person but I know they can be difficult to find. Especially the St. Tropez which is what I really wanted but I got an amazing deal on a Pamplona instead. Oh and if you want a Black Jack there is on in the SD CL.

squidsie · Post by **squidsie** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 5:31 am

Demo_Nic, thanks for the lead! The St Tropez really looks nice! Unfortunately, that location is 8 hours from me :/ With the distance I would have to arrange transportation or go out and pick it up myself. And to top it off - I don't know anything about scooters so I would have to have someone look it over for me, test it, and then I'd have to trust their word.

Damn, I want it! Why are there so many more Pamplona's and Italia's than the St Tropez?

Demo_Nic · Post by **Demo_Nic** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 5:41 am

Oh hey look: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/3152952483.html

Only 100 miles so that means it's just sitting there. I bet you could talk them down to $2200. Low mileage is not always good. One of the worse things you can do to a scooter is just let it sit for long periods of time. That's why you see a lot of ads for low mileage scooters with a new batter. Use that to your advantage in bargaining. It has never had it's first service which will be a good chunk of change. Also the warranty isn't transferable so make sure they know that.

squidsie · Post by **squidsie** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 6:51 am

@Demo_Nic: you rock! I swear, I have been up and down Craigslist and did not come across that one. Petaluma is about 90 miles from me which is much more convenient than So. Cal!

What does concern me is that it has less than 100 miles on it. That seems very strange. Could something be wrong with it and that is why it has just been sitting there? And if nothing is wrong with it, could something now be wrong with it for sitting for so long? Also, how much will it cost to have the fluids drained and replaced, get a tune up, and new battery? This sounds like it can start to get expensive!

I'd also like your opinions on a couple of other things. I am currently trying to set up a date to get my M1 DL. I have no experience with motorcycles or scooters. Never been on one or ridden one. I have been dreaming about getting a scooter for the past year now and I know it's something I have to do! What is really hard for me is finding a date that will work for me to do the classes. Unfortunately my work schedule is very strict and always the same. I have noticed all the classes in my area always run Friday-Sunday. I have already contacted a couple of them to find out if they ever have any classes on any other days and so far its a dead end. This brings me to my questions: Is it a bad idea to purchase a scooter that I wont be able to ride until I get my M1? Would it be wise to wait until I have my M1 in order and then start searching for a St Tropez? I know I will eventually take the class and have it done...just not sure how soon that will be.

Anyway, you have been so helpful! I love this site! In the meantime I am going to shoot an email to the seller and try to get some more info. If it turns out to be something I cant pass up, then maybe I can get my brother-in-law to drive out there with me so he can check it out. He is not a scooter guy, but definitely has some auto experience.

Thanks, again!

Demo_Nic · Post by **Demo_Nic** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 7:16 am

This is just my opinion on this. You can still get your permit and practice before you actually take the riding test or MSF class. The permits just involves taking a written test. You can DL the Motorcycle Handbook from the CA DMV. Be forewarned, they do make you take an additional test on driving laws.

I see A LOT of low mileage scooters on CL for sale. What most often ends up happening is someone buys one, rides it for a little bit and loses interest or it sits there because they never got their permit or M1 license. That or they get one, drop it and get too intimidated to try again or they buy it hoping the significant other will want to ride it but that ends up never happening.

As for the low mileage, most likely the battery will be dead. You'll probably need to drain fluids and clean out the carb but I'm not as mechanically inclined so I'm sure others on here will chime in. When you go to check it out, make sure to ask when they bought it, when was the last time it was ridden, and has it ever been dropped. Although it is a 2008, it may have been sitting in overstock for a couple years. My 2009 Pamplona was bought used but it was first sold in mid 2010.

Show up with cash in hand. I'd try negotiating at $2100 and see if they bite. Keep in mind they may not budge. Don't do the negotiating over e-mail or phone. People tend to waver more when they see money in front of them.

squidsie · Post by **squidsie** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 7:23 am

Thanks for your opinions. It's much appreciated. I have the next couple of days off of work so I will start cracking on the CA M1 handbook and do that for the meantime. Hope the seller will get back to me soon enough!

mhardgrove · Post by **mhardgrove** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 3:36 pm

I was trolling another thread, the new 170i apparently comes in St Tropez and Pamplona colors now... That's something to consider! A brand spanking fuel injected 170 will full warranty, or a couple year old carb 150...

squidsie · Post by **squidsie** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:05 pm

@Demo_Nic: The St Troprez was sold :/

@mhardgrove: Unfortunately, the new 170i only comes in the Italia and Pamplona colors. The dealership 40 miles from my house confirmed that. Also, on the Genuine website it does not show the Saint Tropez on the 170i. The new one would be awesome, but then I would be settling. And well, I got my heart on the Saint Tropez...so my search continues.

Pflower001 · Post by **Pflower001** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:10 pm

Just MEMORIZE that handbook and you will be fine on the permit test. The permit is good for a year and by then you will be able to find a msf course that you can fit in your schedule or have enough experience to be able to pass the m1 drive test. Go get the used one!

squidsie · Post by **squidsie** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:13 pm

@Pflower001: Thanks for the support! The Saint Tropez was sold :/ it went very quickly. The seller did not take the listing down. I am taking the next couple of days to study the DMV handbook and look forward to getting my permit!

Pflower001 · Post by **Pflower001** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:19 pm

Darn! I say hold out for exactly what you want. One will pop up just look every day. I got my pink buddy on craigslist for a steal, just kept my eyes peeled til one popped up and it was mine! And good luck on the permit test! I went in with a friend who had been driving a vespa for years, but had been doing it illegally sans permit. I had memorized the handbook and passed while she failed. Memorze the pics in it too, as the exact same ones are on the test. Sooooooper easy!

squidsie · Post by **squidsie** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:25 pm

How long did you study for the test before you passed?
And congrats on finding exactly what you want on Craigslist

Pflower001 · Post by **Pflower001** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:30 pm

About a week. Seriously MEMORIZED that handbook which made the test super easy. With a permit you cannot ride with a passenger and you cannot drive at night but it will give you a chance to get comfortable on your scoot before taking the drive test. With a permit and only having had my huddy for a little over three weeks i have already put 400 miles on her and feel a zillion times more prepared to take the drive test. I will probably still eventually take the msf course just because it is good info and will lower my $89 a year insurance, but the permit has done me right and was pretty easy to get.

Pflower001 · Post by **Pflower001** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:33 pm

Oh! Btdub, if yu havent taken the regular written test in less than a year, yu will have to take that again too (i only had to take 1 page of 2 though, they crossed off the back) so you may want to brush up on that test too.

Pflower001 · Post by **Pflower001** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:34 pm

Gah! Sorry for the typos!

squidsie · Post by **squidsie** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:35 pm

Wow, so you just recently got your Buddy?! Very cool!
Yes, I definitely want to take the MSF course for safety reasons. I think it will be a great learning tool. In the meantime though, the permit will help for practice and becoming comfortable! I cant wait!

Pflower001 · Post by **Pflower001** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:48 pm

Yeah! I loooooover her! Drove from LA to huntington beach this weekend an tokk the scenic route back, soooooooooo fun! I haven't even opened my car door in weeks! Cant wait until you find yours!

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:57 pm

IIRC, you need a permit to take the MSF anyways. I think. Don't you?

The written test, you can take over and over again until you pass. Like, the same day. As in, I failed my first time, went out in the hall, read the book again, went back in and passed.

Yes, this is all someone needs to do before taking a 1200cc sportbike or whatever onto the streets of CA.

squidsie · Post by **squidsie** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 11:10 pm

I am giving myself one week to study up and get that permit! I am so excited!

Demo_Nic · Post by **Demo_Nic** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 7:43 am

No you don't need a permit to take the MSF class. I had a few people who had not gotten it in my class.

squidsie · Post by **squidsie** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 7:47 am

Right, but in order to ride a scooter I should, at minimum, have a permit. Then within the year go for the MSF and get licensed

Demo_Nic · Post by **Demo_Nic** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 7:50 am

Yes. In order to ride you need at least a permit. You cannot ride at night though or have a passenger. Oh and when you take the MSF class they will require that you wear over the ankle shoes/boots, long sleeve or jacket. They can provide you with gloves and helmet but I brought my own.