With the economy in a downslide and gas prices on the rise, used
mopeds and scooters are looking more and more attractive as a way to
get around town. Buying 50 cc used mopeds, or buying used Honda
scooters, are a good way to get some cheap, reliable transportation.
The classic Vespa scooters, too, should be considered a coup if you
can find them.
Here are some things you should keep in mind when you're looking for
used mopeds and scooters.
Do your research
Many times, you can find decent used mopeds or scooters at a good
price on eBay,
or in the classifieds. Don't be afraid to do a search online and find
someone near you with 50CC mopeds secondhand or Vespa scooters for
sale. However, often you will have enough listings on eBay to be able
to compare prices and figure out what is cheap and what is not.
Know what you're spending
Before you just simply pull out your wallet or checkbook (or credit
card), though, do some research. Find out how much the brand you are
looking at is going for when it's second hand. Be advised, too, that
you might have some competition these days for your scooter search,
since they are a very attractive alternative, indeed, to cars and
other gas guzzling vehicles. You should find out what the ballpark
figure is, currently. This can even change day-to-day, so you're going
to have to do research and keep abreast of what current prices are
considered reasonable. Once you decide on your spending limit, you can
always put in a bid on an online auction.
eBay is good for this, as it allows you to put in your maximum bid and
leave it. You see, even if you put in a high maximum bid, it will only
outbid the current highest bidder by a few dollars.
Buy local
You may not want to buy something unseen, but buying online is not
necessarily the same as buying unseen. If you do choose to shop eBay,
for example, and you find something you think you like, make sure the
seller is local to you so that you can go take a look before you buy.
eBay has the local search available to make this possible.
Things to look for in used mopeds
Take a checklist with you, and make sure the moped or scooter passes
inspection in these areas -- or that you get a very good price
commensurate with the repair the moped or scooter is going to need:
Has the moped or scooter sat for a while? If so, it's likely to have
some decay peculiar to unused vehicles. Check:
1. The motor. It should be in good shape, and if it's not, it
will need to be replaced.
2. The muffler. If this needs replacing, do it. It might seem
like it's a small thing, it but it's going to affect your scooter's
performance.
3. Brakes. Usually need replacing, and not worth risking it for
the $20 or so you're going to pay if you replace them yourself.
4. Tires. These are usually worn on a used moped or scooter, and
will cost between $35 and $40 apiece to replace.
5. Shocks. Again, these will probably need to be replaced, and
are worth the cost of doing so for a safe ride.
6. Cables. Again, these will need to be replaced if the moped or
scooter has sat for a while, but it's worth the cost (and your safety)
to do so.
7. Body condition, including paint. It might seem like a little
rust isn't such a big deal, but be careful. It can significantly
impact how roadworthy your scooter is.
Again, this is not to say that buying a used moped or scooter is a bad
thing. You just have to be careful, know what you're looking for, and
to know that some things are probably going to have to be replaced
especially if the moped or scooter has been sitting in storage for a
while. That said, though, do some research, decide what you're willing
to pay for used (including the repairs you have to pay for or do
yourself), then go out, find the moped or scooter you want, and roll
up your sleeves and get to work. Once that's done, you can watch gas
prices climb to four dollars a gallon or beyond and still know that
you are riding a good, gas efficient, roadworthy vehicle.
Oh, and one other thing. Get insurance. It might seem like a small
thing and it might not even be required in your state, but do it for
safety's sake. And above all, of course, have fun -- safely, of
course.
