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Post by krystalf on Oct 15, 2011 15:43:11 GMT -5
My problem is i'm buying off craigslist, can't afford dealer, and wanted to know whats the best low maintenance scooter thats kinda cheap.
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Post by inuyasha on Oct 15, 2011 15:53:44 GMT -5
Hi Welcome aboard Pleased to meet you Thats a hard question to answer You will get many different answers from as many different people depending on there personal like and dislikes I like Puma cycles scoots as do a few others here at the forum www.pumacycles.com/Others will give you their favorites Best thing is read the posts here on specific scoots see which ones operate well and decide whats best for you Take care and drive safely Yours Hank
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Post by freedomscoot on Oct 15, 2011 22:12:22 GMT -5
I would consider buying brand new instead of Craigs. The quality of cheap Chinese scooters has really improved lately- you don't want an older one...and you don't want someone else's problem. You can get a brand new 50cc scooter like the one pictured in my avatar for $699 delivered to your door. Most of the used ones in halfway decent shape on CL cost more than that. Pumas are goo; Tao Tao is good..Peace Sports are good...many of the cheaper Chinese scooters are quite good these days. I would stay away from Sunny though. And research any dealer thoroughly- as many of them are shady. Always call the phone number on the website and see if you can actually get through to someone and if they are familiar with what they sell and not just reading info off a sheet or the website. Google their name and also check ripoffreport.com. Avoid dealers that use a lot of gimmicks- like saying "free this and free that" and then try and charge you extra for delivery or a warranty. Cars and trucks I buy used...but new scooters are so cheap, it pays to buy new.
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Post by inuyasha on Oct 15, 2011 22:25:46 GMT -5
I would consider buying brand new instead of Craigs. The quality of cheap Chinese scooters has really improved lately- you don't want an older one...and you don't want someone else's problem. You can get a brand new 50cc scooter like the one pictured in my avatar for $699 delivered to your door. Most of the used ones in halfway decent shape on CL cost more than that. Pumas are goo; Tao Tao is good..Peace Sports are good...many of the cheaper Chinese scooters are quite good these days. I would stay away from Sunny though. And research any dealer thoroughly- as many of them are shady. Always call the phone number on the website and see if you can actually get through to someone and if they are familiar with what they sell and not just reading info off a sheet or the website. Google their name and also check ripoffreport.com. Avoid dealers that use a lot of gimmicks- like saying "free this and free that" and then try and charge you extra for delivery or a warranty. Cars and trucks I buy used...but new scooters are so cheap, it pays to buy new. Hi Wow thats a decent price on your Tao Tao My Puma was $999 brand new at the dealer before the prep and service charges bringing it up to$1299 with a free cover But im very satisfied as the quality is outstanding, performance is very good for a 50 Hit 51 gps certified with more to go, she cruises very easily at between 35 and 45 mph and the ride is very stable and quite nimble The gauges speedo and gas are very accurate as well for ones found on these types of vehicles All ive done to her is routine maintenance new pirelli tires and a iridium spark plug Shes comes factory stock with an 11 to 1 compression ratio engine and a very good mid level performance setup on the variator and exhaust I also use 93 and 94 octane fuel due to the high compression She purrs like a kitten and when needed roars like her namesake the Puma And imho she looks very sharp as well Take care and drive safely dear friend Yours Hank
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Post by freedomscoot on Oct 15, 2011 22:45:13 GMT -5
Hello, Hank! Sounds like you got your money's worth, though! My scoot won't do anywhere near 50 (then again, I weigh 55-60 lbs more than you....) -And naturally, anything will cost more from a dealer than from an internet site. (Actually, the place I bought my Tao Tao from has a sister business that sells them to their local community, fully assembled, for $200 more). I like my Tao Tao very much...I'm just jealous when I hear how fast yours is though!! (Mine will do about 40 so far...but it's not broken-in yet). I still think you got an awesome buy! I hope you enjoy that baby for many years to come. (I don't want to know what you must have paid for your Indian! ) Take care, buddy. (And yes, I use the high octane, too. And your scoot does look very sharp indeed! A fitting garage-mate to your Indian!)
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Post by TERRA NUVO on Oct 16, 2011 3:42:56 GMT -5
hank the only scooter in the world worth owning is a xingyue ita 200 cc.
no one else knows anything but me.
whats that tell ya?
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Post by hardd1 on Oct 16, 2011 7:05:23 GMT -5
Hank, craigslist is full of late model peace, taotao...etc. scooters for 100-200.00. they more than likely do not run or they run poorly. put in a couple of bucks updating the factory inferior parts starting with the carburetor. change out the tires/valve stems...change vacuum/fuel lines, new plug, new fuel filter, install a kevlar belt, inspect rollers and have the valves adjusted to specs..should save you 500 bucks (pssst, new ones need the same service upgrades too)
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Post by Pony66 on Oct 16, 2011 9:31:57 GMT -5
My problem is i'm buying off craigslist, can't afford dealer, and wanted to know whats the best low maintenance scooter thats kinda cheap. Thats like asking what brand of used car is best. There are dozens of companies that sell GY6 scooters. They are basically the same under the plastic bodies. Buying a used vehicle is what it is. You need to educate yourself about how scooters work and the maintenance required. I would not spend over $200 on Craigslist, and I love craigslist. Try to find out how the previous owner took care of the scooter. If they cant tell you when they changed the oil last, dont buy it. Well unless you find some $40 deals like me.
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Post by mykul on Oct 16, 2011 10:19:28 GMT -5
Cheap or low maintenance, you can't have both. Craigslist is a definite 'caveat emptor' situation and the problem often is not so much deliberate dishonesty as blissful ignorance. You call the guy up, he sounds decent, not evasive, willing to answer questions and then you discover that he simply doesnt know that his scoot is a disaster waiting to happen.
If you really know your market and the item in question inside out then you can do well because the seller you want and can find with patience is someone who needs the money and doesnt realze they could get more for what they're selling.
The second part to my answer is that Chinese built scooters range from death traps to well made bargains and that can be true of the same model, same year because inconsistency is the hallmark of Chinese manufactured goods.
I paid 950 for my used 2011 Primo 50cc from a dealership that rents them out to tourists, it had only 100 miles on it which is why I didn't look for a better price. Anyone who rents them out is going to do a proper PDI for their own sake though I checked the place out myself, took a look at their workshop, spoke to their mechanic, got opinions on the business from some locals.
A bricks and mortar seller gives you more options if it proves to be a lemon. Theres someone you can go after if all else fails but better yet if you can stay on good terms with them, drop by to say hello once in a while, buy a few more things and get known as a good customer, they'll likely be more sympathetic if you really need them when the motor self destructs.
Okay so its not an option for you. When I buy from Craigslist i always try and do so from someone within easy range of home because despite what people say you DO have options if you get a real dog - small claims court for starters.
Even an ordinary Joe seller should offer clues as to how likely his scooter is to have been cared for. Look around at the surroundings, are they well kept, does he strike you as a reasonable person? If the scooter in question is left outside leaning up against a wall, hasn't been cleaned, looks muddy and scratched well it all depends on your needs and mechanical abilities and how low the price is.
As everyone says, the last model year they seem to have really tried to improve the product, pre - 2010 you might as well be playing Russian roulette.
I remember when all the above was true of buying Japanese and it didnt take very long for the big four to emerge as the clear winners in the quality stakes. Even the small assemblers aren't dumb and really they all buy their parts from one or two manufacturers who have by and large got their act together with manufacturing the engines to decent standards.
For around $200 you can buy a new motor, you could do worse than get a really cheap scooter that looks immaculate but has a dead engine and simply remotor it.
In the end though how well your purchase lasts is entirely up to you.
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Post by inuyasha on Oct 16, 2011 10:52:24 GMT -5
Hank, craigslist is full of late model peace, taotao...etc. scooters for 100-200.00. they more than likely do not run or they run poorly. put in a couple of bucks updating the factory inferior parts starting with the carburetor. change out the tires/valve stems...change vacuum/fuel lines, new plug, new fuel filter, install a kevlar belt, inspect rollers and have the valves adjusted to specs..should save you 500 bucks (pssst, new ones need the same service upgrades too) Hi Thanks for the input but i have a scoot already Its the OP that is asking the questions ;D Take care and drive safely dear friend Yours Hank
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Post by freedomscoot on Oct 16, 2011 11:10:56 GMT -5
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Post by freedomscoot on Oct 16, 2011 11:14:12 GMT -5
PS: To the OP: If you do de cide to buy new...make sure that you will actually receive a 2011 model. Some dealers out there are selling new scooters that are 3 or 4 years old! (And they don't even discount them!)
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Post by Cookees on Oct 16, 2011 14:29:00 GMT -5
Blue scooters are evil !
Stay away from the blue ones!
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Post by hardd1 on Oct 16, 2011 17:00:59 GMT -5
ooops....sorry Hank
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Post by freedomscoot on Oct 16, 2011 22:08:39 GMT -5
Blue scooters are evil ! Stay away from the blue ones! NOW ya tell me!
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Post by mainepeace on Oct 18, 2011 18:20:56 GMT -5
"Priced to move $ 1,395.00" for a Sunny 50cc! LOL! Needed that laugh!
Greg
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Post by hitmusicinc on Oct 19, 2011 0:02:16 GMT -5
Try to find any Linhai , well built and very dependable
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Post by freedomscoot on Oct 20, 2011 13:48:42 GMT -5
"Priced to move $ 1,395.00" for a Sunny 50cc! LOL! Needed that laugh! Greg Doesn't that kill ya?! You could buy 2 brand new ones for that (not that ya'd want to) and not have to spend the gas and time going to get them! I'd love to know if the guy actually sells any! I mean, with a few keystrokes, any potential customers could easily see that they can get the same scoot for less than half the price.....or are people really that lazy? Gotta hand it to the guy if he sells them, though- he can buy 'em retail and still double his money. I once sold a Chinese ATV on CL for $200 more than I paid for it when it was new (It only had a few miles on it...just sold because I wanted a different style)
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Post by mainepeace on Oct 20, 2011 18:09:08 GMT -5
Well, don't want to let out too many secrets, but suffice it to say I could buy THREE brand new scooters for that price!
Greg
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Post by tour96se on Oct 31, 2011 5:00:40 GMT -5
Vento!!! mines a 2005 bought brand new the only issue i've had was/is the oil injection system is leaking slightly.
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Post by speedo on Oct 31, 2011 8:48:05 GMT -5
Get the most for your money; CF-MOTO any day!!!!!!
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Post by cprevost on Oct 31, 2011 16:52:39 GMT -5
Used Hondas abound here in Portland and they are bulletproof. I'd look at one of those for sure...
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Post by govolspegasus on Dec 7, 2011 17:41:04 GMT -5
i am interested in the bms pathfinder 200, but have never seen one
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Post by jdikov on Dec 8, 2011 17:54:29 GMT -5
The Motorino Cassini/Znen 18 is a better machine. Parts are available all over the place and it is a good strong running machine. Also comes with 1 year bumper to bumper warranty.
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Post by inkyben on Dec 8, 2011 18:59:29 GMT -5
I used to hate my Chinese Eagle clone but it's fine now. The only thing I haven't had to replace is the frame,headlight assembly and front fairing lol. Bought it new from scooter depot for about $485. One thing I learned is you never save money in buying the cheapest one.
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Post by islandboundscoot on Dec 11, 2011 15:53:40 GMT -5
I am looking to move to the islands and am going to buy a scooter here is AZ before I go to save money then take it with me. The mark ups on the islands are close to 30%. I need a scooter that can travel an average of 15 miles a day as my only transportation. Bottom line, I need a very reliable scooter for a somewhat long term use. Can anyone help? I have been looking at the genuine buddy 125, reviews are great and reliable but they are Sooooo expensive. Any other suggestions?
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Post by larry001964 on Dec 11, 2011 16:16:19 GMT -5
My biggest question is are you prepared to do the maintenance yourself ? Are you mechanically inclined ? When you buy a scooter that is made by one of the major manufactures such as Honda, Yamaha, you can also get service by one of these dealers.... Even if it's a second hand scooter.... When buying a Chinese scooter you need to be aware that Honda, Yamaha and others will not work on your scoot... So if the place that you buy it does not service them then you will be on your own... A few places do specialize in working on Chinese scooters.. So if you buy a Chinese made scooter you will need to find a repair shop on the island if you don't do the service yourself..
All machinery needs routine and preventive maintenance... Repairs are a given Honda, Yamaha, Chinese makes no difference..
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Post by islandboundscoot on Dec 11, 2011 17:55:59 GMT -5
I am mechanically inclined but I work 6-7 days a week so it's not something I want to worry about. I honestly would like to stay awayfrom Chinese if I can, everything i have heard about Chinese is negative. I don't mind doing basic mantinence , fluid changes, break pads, the basics, but I don't have a lot of time to be worried about major constant repairs. This will be my only source of transportation so the less repairs the better.
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Post by larry001964 on Dec 11, 2011 18:12:16 GMT -5
I am mechanically inclined but I work 6-7 days a week so it's not something I want to worry about. I honestly would like to stay awayfrom Chinese if I can, everything i have heard about Chinese is negative. I don't mind doing basic mantinence , fluid changes, break pads, the basics, but I don't have a lot of time to be worried about major constant repairs. This will be my only source of transportation so the less repairs the better. Have you given any thought to Taiwanese made scooters... They are of better quality than Chinese, and less expensive than Japanese models.. i rebuilt my scooter i using Taiwanese parts exclusively.. replaced every thing in the engine..
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Post by elite1 on Dec 11, 2011 21:22:42 GMT -5
Hey Islandbound, I have an o7 Honda elite 80 I would sell you for $1100. Has just shy of 2300 miles. New battery, new rear tire, plug and air filter. Needs nothing and runs like a top. Shoot me a pm if you're interested. I live in Pittsburgh.
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