|
|
Post by stymie on Jul 4, 2007 17:41:56 GMT -5
I have been lurking around here for some time trying to inform myself on the seemingly endless array of Chinese scooters and dealers out there, and I keep finding myself oming back to Kymco model scooters as my first choice. However, one can't simply ignore the potential $1000 give or take savings you can achieve by going Chinese. Well, getting to my point here, I have come across a used Kymco Grand Vista 250, which would be my first choice of model from them, at a local dealer - approx 200 miles (I did the conversion from km) on it, which is next to nothing, and a price tag of $3600. There are scratches along theone side of the bike, which the dealer told me was caused by the bike falling over - not from an accident. Personally, it seemed like just a little too deep to be from falling over, but not really enough if it was involved in a true accident? Is there any way to check this, such as via car fax - I am guessing that unless it needed serious repairs, then it would not show up there, plus I doubt that scooters are kept track of.
Also, an opinions on whether this is a deal worth taking or not - the price seems very fair when you consider a msrp of $4399. I mean, it pretty much comes down to this or one of the many 250 touring Chinese scoots out there. Just thought I would bounce this idea around a bit and see what you all have to say - thanks for the opinions in advance.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gary on Jul 4, 2007 18:12:52 GMT -5
Yeah, its a tough choice. $3600 is probably a good price for the Kymco, but thats more than double what my Viva 250 cost ($1780 delivered). Apples to oranges in quality though.
|
|
|
|
Post by tispectrum on Jul 4, 2007 22:31:03 GMT -5
As a GV owner, you'll love it. Sit on it and make sure it fits you. The cockpit can be cramped for some. What kind of guarantee are you getting with it?
|
|
|
|
Post by scooterollie on Jul 5, 2007 7:49:39 GMT -5
Stymie,
I think the key IS the warranty. If the dealer gives you a full warranty, or close to it, and the damage is only cosmetic and you can live with that, the deal sounds good. If the dealer is giving little or no warranty, the price is too high!
Many of us know from experience that some pretty significant panel damage car occur from just a little spill. Just look what can happen to some cars with very thin sheet metal in a hail storm. Doesn't take baseball sized hail to do significant damage to the steel and aluminum panels.
|
|
|
|
Post by stymie on Jul 5, 2007 10:20:34 GMT -5
As for the warranty, the dealer is basically offering none - only a 30 day warranty. I then took it upon myself to contact the manufacturer (Kymco) and was told that the balance of the factory warranty would be available to me and also the oppurtunity to purchase an extended warranty, should I want to. Keep in mind that this is a 2006 and Kymco warranty is 2 years. I thought this sounded interesting and has lead me to believe that the cute but ditzy blonde rep working at the dealership may have been mistaken in telling me that the warranty is non-transferrable, but then again, maybe not. I want to explain my situation to Kymco and get a little more of an explaination as to their warranty practices.
|
|
|
|
Post by jq1177 on Jul 5, 2007 11:11:36 GMT -5
I just got a GV a couple of weeks ago and I love it. Ihave put on almost 400 miles on it so far and I think it rides great. I'm getting about 65mpg with it. I have also had it out on the interstate at 65-70mph with no problems what so ever. Hope this helps.
|
|
|
|
Post by TeamTEOR on Jul 5, 2007 14:26:32 GMT -5
Well, there is paperwork involved in the transfer of the warranty. Most dealerships don't want to be bothered it seems. I would talk to her manager, if they will transfer it over, then maybe look at that extended warranty as well so you are good to go for the next couple of years.
Tom
|
|
|
|
Post by AZscooter on Jul 7, 2007 19:15:05 GMT -5
You will not regrat spending a little more for the Kymco if you can afford it. I have P150 and a GV250. I have 6K on 150 and 3K on GV. I have never had even the slightest problem with either of these scooters. Fit and fininsh are top grade. Two year warranty is great but I have not needed it. From my experience I would not buy anything but a Kymco.
Mike
|
|
|
|
Post by Lugh on Jul 10, 2007 15:50:15 GMT -5
I couldn't agree with Mike more!
I have a 2006 GV250 and I love it. My current odometer reading is just a little short of 12,000 miles. (Yep, you read right, 12,000 miles, not kilometers!) This scoot is my daily driver and I couldn't be happier. All I've had to do is maintainence, insurance, and gas. This is the cheapest to use and most fun ride I've ever had! Worth every penny, and Kymco will transfer the warranty, but you probably won't need it
Enjoy!
Lugh
|
|
|
|
Post by mgreenfield on Jul 10, 2007 19:19:53 GMT -5
GV250! If I'd known cuple years ago what I know about scoots now, I would have gotten a GV250 instead of my Burger400. But then I was coming off a 650cc cycle, and was worried about performance. 0-50mph (where it counts) GV250 is equal to Burger400. Burger400 will do a little over 90mph, but who needs that??
|
|
|
|
Post by termite on Jul 10, 2007 20:46:54 GMT -5
Burger400 will do a little over 90mph, but who needs that?? People who ride several hours on the interstate. The extra margin of speed is good to have. |
|
|
|
Post by TeamTEOR on Jul 11, 2007 4:30:06 GMT -5
On a personal note I would never ride on a highway if I had to keep the throttle pinned. We have 75mph speed zones here in AZ, most are 65. With my hefty rear-end (heheh) I made sure I stayed up in the higher displacement area after the brief ownership of a 125. What are the speed zones in Milwaukee like?
Tom
|
|
|
|
Post by termite on Jul 11, 2007 23:59:51 GMT -5
On a personal note I would never ride on a highway if I had to keep the throttle pinned. We have 75mph speed zones here in AZ, most are 65. With my hefty rear-end (heheh) I made sure I stayed up in the higher displacement area after the brief ownership of a 125. Tom I think that's why the 250cc scooters will eventually replace the 150's in popularity. There are simply too many roads with 55mph or higher speed limits. And we all know people tend to drive 5-10 over, traffic permitting. The 250s can handle 70 mph zones for short distances. The 150s can't, without serious upgrading. |
|
|
|
Post by vwayne40 on Jul 14, 2007 17:18:40 GMT -5
As an owner of a Kymco people 250, I can tell you that the water cooled 250 will hold up to 70 mph as long as the fuel lasts and will run 80 if you need to. I live in a military town where the average speed is 55 in town( not the posted speed limit but actual speed) and runs 70 outside town.
These bikes will keep up.
The only down side to the Kymco is the same as any other scooter, High parts prices( especially air filters) and poor parts availability. ( Parts can be ordered but dealers stock very little and the kymco usa group does nothing to help the problem)
|
|
|
|
Post by Gary on Jul 16, 2007 23:57:28 GMT -5
What are the pros/cons of the GV250 vs the People 250? Is one more sutable for freeway use than the other. I like the looks of each, although I'm not especially fond of the GV digital dash (actually I hate it).
Today I switched back from my Viva 250 tourer to my Tank 150 Sport. (My 250 is still in time out in the garage due to a coolant leak.) The 150 felt like such a tiny scoot - a toy - and somewhat underpowered. I also felt a bit uncomfortable because of the riding position right over the front wheel - not much body and no windsceen in front of me. I'm wondering if the Poeople wouldn't feel similar - maybe the GV250 would feel more secure.
Your thoughts are appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Post by TeamTEOR on Jul 17, 2007 3:10:46 GMT -5
I had that feeling too with the Agility. Installing a windshield did help that a bit as it made me want to sit a little further back on the seat. Sitting back on the Xciting I feel much more stable, and less worried about the front. When looking I did sit on both the Grand Vista and the People. I felt a little cramped on the GV plus feeling a little tall for it, the People was a nicer feel all around, and even more so that the Bet & Win. I guess that maybe the taller tires made it feel better as I was feeling weight and balance. It all really boils down to the way that you feel in the end and where you own personal comfort is along with the looks of the scoot.
Tom
|
|
