Help?- buying a used 2009 Stella from out of state

[kitti]

Hi Everyone,

I am brand new to scootering (have ridden one only once before) and am looking into buying a scooter.

I found someone on Craigslist selling a 2009 Stella in NC (I'm in SC). The seller says he has a clean title, but it's never been registered and has only 13 miles on it. He said he bought it for his wife, but she didn't want it. Price is $2600.

It sounds like a great deal and, from emailing, the seller does not sound like a scammer. I'm pretty sold on the scooter, but I wouldn't be able to make the trip (4 h one way) to check out the scooter in a reasonable time. I also wouldn't be able to test drive it, or even know what to look for. I also have no friends in the area who ride scooters or motorcycles.

I definitely don't want to hand over a wad of cash and organize a uship (his suggestion) and just await my surprise. I'm also still questioning if there's something wrong with the scooter that he's not telling me, or if his wife really just didn't like how the Stella handled/shifted or something. He's not the best email-er and I haven't gotten an answer to the specifics of what his wife didn't like.

Has anyone had any experience with this (i.e. buying a used scooter from somewhere too far away to visit)? Any ideas on how I could get the scooter checked out? Any red flags coming up?

Also, I've tried to check this out, but is the title the only thing I'll need to register the scooter?

And, last question , I know the Stella is pretty heavy and bulky - I'm 5'6 110 lb, is it just a bad idea to get a Stella? I've consulted an (out of state) friend on this and he says he thinks it'll be okay, but I'm still worried. There are no local dealers for me to go to and check out a Stella.

[Wild Handyman]

A Stella is a tall, or large body, scooter. I would caution you to at least sit on one to make sure that both of your feet touch the ground at the same time before you order it sight unseen. At 5'6" a scooter with a smaller body that has a seat closer to the ground, like a Buddy, might be more comfortable for you and probably safer.

[SockyTX]

Im 5'8" and I ride the Stella 4T and feel quit comfy although I walk around with 165lbs.
My wife is 5'5" 105 lbs and can reach the ground ok.

As far as checking it out prior to pulling the trigger, see if the seller will facetime or skype with you and do a walk around if the scoot, start it up and such. Might give you the confidence needed to make the purchase.

Good luck

[Robbie]

kitti,

I think you are looking at a forum members Stella......goes by screen name 'seafeye'

I believe he also posted at time of purchass, indicating it was a surprise gift.......I guess a bit too surprised.

Try to find all posts by seafeye.

I think it is legit though.

Rob

[LDB]

Is there a dealer near the seller that you could call and arrange for their shop to do an inspection and evaluation for you? It would cost you a half hour's labor charge but they could check starting, brakes, electrics etc. for you.

[fisher1]

There are no local dealers for me to go to and check out a Stella

Unless you are able to perform repair / maintenance yourself, you might want to get a scooter from a dealer that is local to you. I'm not bashing a Stella - I have one. I'm just speaking from a practical standpoint, as you are thinking about buying a 4 year old scooter that hasn't been used in that timeframe and is out of warranty.

The 2009s did have issues related to the 2T oil check valve, the kill switch and the connections-wiring to the dimmer switch. Mine required work on all 3. I have also had to repair the twist-lock mechanism that secures the right cowl.

[magnato1]

kitti,

I think you are looking at a forum members Stella......goes by screen name 'seafeye'

I believe he also posted at time of purchass, indicating it was a surprise gift.......I guess a bit too surprised.

Try to find all posts by seafeye.

I think it is legit though.

Rob

I second what Robbie says, here's the thread: viewtopic.php?p=299943&highlight=#299943

[Lokky]

2600 sounds steep to me especially if you gotta travel four hours for it... the msrp on an 09 was like 2700 in 2011.

Got mine for 1900 wth a full set of chrome and only 50 miles on it.

[kitti]

Thanks for the input everyone!

I called a dealer near the seller yesterday & I'm waiting to hear back. I'm thinking about having the dealer check out the scooter & trying to ship from there.

Lokky - I've only seen the original MSRP- $3599 & KBB value: $2460
I was going to offer less for the scooter, but in the seller's post he said he might be able to deliver. I offered him his asking price if delivery was included, because it is a good distance. He said he'd knock off $200 for shipping if I arranged it. So far I've gotten 1 bid on Uship for $239 ($259 including Uship's fee).

Thanks Robbie & magnato1, checked out seafeye's posts. At least I know he's real now =) But I still don't know if anything's wrong with the scooter - hopefully not!

fisher1- There is a scooter dealer/repair shop nearby that will be stocking Genuines in the near future (exact date unknown). I think they should be able to work on 2T's but I'll call and make sure. I have been thinking about just buying a new 4T or a Buddy 170i, but this one would be cheaper. I also don't like any of the 2013 colors.
I'd also like to learn how to do repairs on the scooter. I have pretty little experience with vehicle mechanics but I am pretty handy and I heard it's not too hard on the 2T (?)

LDB, thanks! I think that's my best bet.

SockyTX- I'll see if he can facetime with me or webcam with me. Does your wife have any trouble maneuvering the Stella?

Wild Handyman- I'm not too concerned about height, more about the weight. 5'6 is short for men but taller than average for women. I've never had any trouble with my legs reaching anything. I will try to get a look at one in person though.

Does anyone know what the height from the seat to the ground is?


Thanks!!

[Dooglas]

Does anyone know what the height from the seat to the ground is?

A bit over 32 inches. In other words, fairly high for a scooter. I would certainly suggest you sit on one before a purchase. My partner is 5'3". She found both the Stella and the LX150 Vespa too tall. The Buddy worked fine for her though.

[MrChet]

Just adding some data points...

I bought an 08 used Stella with 2400 miles for $1800 here in Oregon last year. This bike has a rebuilt engine with a Polini 177cc kit. It was worth a $200 to me but who knows what the inside of the case looks like.

Also, I am male, 5'6", 145lbs, 30: inseam and I reach the ground fine. I just have to remember my foot is on the brake as I also have a Buddy 125 I ride.

The Stella is definitely more of a handful than the Buddy but every time I ride the Buddy after the Stella I feel like something is missing. The Stella is a bike that is much more engaging and carnal.

[DougKF]

Kitty --

Savannah, Georgia has a Vespa dealership that also a "Genuine" dealer. They currently have 3 brand new 2009 Stella 2Ts. They're close enough for you to take a look in person. They're quoting a good price.

I just bought one from them so am new to the Forum.

Cheers from a fellow Low Country rider.

Doug

[Wolfhound]

Ride it before you buy it!! This applies to any scooter. If you make the drive
to see it first, take a friend with you and meet in a public place.