Should I be concerned?

alexpa · Post by **alexpa** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 1:20 am

Hello everyone, first time poster here.

I'm on a quest for a Buddy 125 or 150. I found this 2009 125cc in the burbs (I live in the city). The seller has it up for $999. I haven't met him in person but he seems largely okay albeit a bit aloof.

So the problem is he titled the ad as 150cc when clearly it's badged as 125cc.. Okay, maybe a mistake or that he's just boasting it... Another thing my friend noticed is that the ignition appears to be missing. There aren't a ton of ignitions pictures online but with most of them, you can easily see the ring label. Here I see none.

Can anyone give me some advice about this scooter? He and I are planning to meet on Monday.

Thanks, and happy scootin'!

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 1:44 am

Seller's in Voorhees, right?

The guy seems to have other scoots for sale using the same contact phone number (Google it and see what you come up with), so chances are that he's not a thief, per-se. The missing ignition, combined with the remnants of a chalked-in number on the seat and the stuff missing from the front cowling makes me suspect that this scoot was acquired at either an impound or salvage auction. Also don't see any mirrors.

Ask the seller for the title and VIN, as they should help you determine the scoot's history.

alexpa · Post by **alexpa** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 2:18 am

Yup, that's the one.

Good idea googling him-- there are a number of other postings I'm seeing.

I didn't notice the mirrors. Scooterworks sells them for $50/pr. New ignition is ~$50 for a GY6 on ebay.

The seat... I imagine the numbers can get washed off. Worst case, I buy a seat cover.

So what do you think about this scooter? The price seems right and $100 of parts is no big deal. As scooters in Philly are much more expensive, I'm looking for a deal out in the burbs since I have the ability to 'import' it back in town. I imagine for most having to take the Walt or Ben with a new, unknown scooter is a bit intimidating.

Here are some other interests: https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/4431560876.html
Doesnt idle well but that seems common and easy to fix.

and
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/4441640734.html
More than I wanted to spend BUT it is top of the line, with all accessories, and only a year old.

Alex

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 2:41 am

Granted a few buck for parts is not a show-stopper. I'm more concerned with the number on the seat. As I said, this smells of impound, salvage, repo, auction, etc. Perhaps acquired cheaply and prettied-up just enough for a quick flip. Just be careful.

I can't comment on the others as I'm not a Buddy-experienced. I'll leave that to the folks who own 'em.

scootERIK · Post by **scootERIK** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 2:50 am

You should be very concerned. Based on the pictures it looks like the headtube/fork is bent, most likely the scooter was in an accident. I wouldn't even go look at it. But if you do the first thing you should do is measure the wheelbase and see if it measures 47.6 inches-48 inches, and inspect the front end for damage.

Unless there is a weird optical illusion in your picture.

This is what it should look like.

Mostly likely it was stolen and taken for a joy ride and crashed.

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 3:02 am

Don't go for it. Keep looking for a better scoot. It may be more expensive but....YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR... I'm sure if your patient enough and look hard enough you can find a used one for 1500 or less. Also, I think that scoot is going to end up being more than a $100. in parts. Not to mention labor cost unless your up to D.I.Y. plus getting it registered may be more of a hassle than it's worth....

alexpa · Post by **alexpa** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 4:24 am

Charlie, Erik, and Drum Pro- you're totally right.

The missing ignition would indicate it could have been stolen. The missing front rack, bent fork, and lack of mirrors means it probably was crashed.

Not interested. Thank you so much for incite and knowledge! I was fairly seriously looking at that one. I like the black frame sliders and luggage rack in contrast with the bright white body. Oh well, onto something better.

Any thoughts on either of these?
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/4431560876.html

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/4441640734.html

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 4:32 am

The second one cos it's a 170I. The fuel injection is worth it and it even comes with the racks and case. Money talks so try to talk the seller down a bit. Good luck....

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 4:43 am

Also the Oxford green looks well ace in person. the first one the seller says it has a "rough idle" so if you go that route you may end up having to take in to a shop to get it sorted which may push up the final price a couple hundred less than the 170I when all is said and done.....

scootERIK · Post by **scootERIK** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 4:44 am

Of those two I would be much more interested in the 170, that's a good price and it is negotiable.

The '08 with less than 300 miles is cheap, but it will probably need a tune up and possibly some fresh parts to get it on the road. And there is a good chance it has never been serviced, so it needs the break in service($150-$250.) If you did decide to get this one I would low ball them at $900.

alexpa · Post by **alexpa** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 11:40 am

How low should I negotiate for the 170? $2000? $2100? Lower?

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 1:49 pm

I'd start at $2000. Remember when re-selling the "Extras" like the rack and such are worthless but at the same time more desirable to potential buyers. Think of them as a double edged sword in that customization is a personal thing. And they did say they were willing to negotiate....

Danielm · Post by **Danielm** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 2:22 pm

The KBB on that 170 is almost 2600, I'm surprised he's as low as he is already and it hasn't sold in the spring/summer.

Whimscootie · Post by **Whimscootie** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 7:53 pm

Shop around. The market for sellers on CL is dismal this summer, at least in my area. It's a buyer's market!

Envision what you want (125, 150, 170i) and go for it until you find what you will be happy with.

It is usually easy to find low miles, used scoots.

Shop CL ads in your area, not just local as well.

Good luck!

alexpa · Post by **alexpa** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 2:24 pm

Well at the recommendation of the forum, I went after that 170... Sad to say she found a new home already. I talked to the seller and he said he sold it for $1850.... Wow. I was doing to low ball him at $2000 but probably would've gone up to asking price since you folks said it was a good deal.

Okay, back to the starting line... Again

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 2:43 pm

That sucks. Have you tried looking for a used Vespa LX or ET4? You can probably get a new Kymco for the same price and they are great scooters...

alexpa · Post by **alexpa** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 3:21 pm

Naw, haven't looked seriously at them yet. Mainly looking at Buddies now. I do like Vespas but for similar years and miles compared to Buddies, they are much more expensive.

I don't know how I feel about the Kymcos. Nice styling but they don't make me super excited. For the right price tho.....

I was interested in the Piaggio Fly but was told they are now Chinese made and the general consensus is to avoid. Love the styling though. The mp3 is pretty sweet but far too big for what I want.

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:08 pm

alexpa wrote:Naw, haven't looked seriously at them yet. Mainly looking at Buddies now. I do like Vespas but for similar years and miles compared to Buddies, they are much more expensive.

I don't know how I feel about the Kymcos. Nice styling but they don't make me super excited. For the right price tho.....

I was interested in the Piaggio Fly but was told they are now Chinese made and the general consensus is to avoid. Love the styling though. The mp3 is pretty sweet but far too big for what I want.

Who ever told you to avoid the fly doesn't know what they are talking about. The new Fly 3V is a really good scoot. The engine is the same as the 2014 Primavera. I would call around and see if a shop is willing to work with you on a used. It couldn't hurt to try. If not then be patient and continue to look.....

jrstone · Post by **jrstone** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:09 pm

alexpa wrote: I was interested in the Piaggio Fly but was told they are now Chinese made and the general consensus is to avoid.

Assembled in China doesn't = Chinese scooter. My Aprilia came out of Piaggio's plant in China and it's just as unreliable as anything made in Italy.

All kidding aside, you can't go wrong with the new Fly. It's a great scooter for the money.