Five tips when buying a used scooter

Set a budget

Scooters come at all prices. Set a budget before you start your search for a used scooter. Be sure to set aside part of your budget for potential repairs as well as insurance.

Find a gem

Browse through the various listings on ClassifiedsEU and try to find the scooter of your dreams at a price that fits your budget. Whether you’re looking for a Yamaha BW or a Vespa, compare the ads that catch your eye and remove the ones you find less appealing.

Meet the seller

Once you’ve made your choice, it’s time to meet the seller. Ask why the scooter is for sale, if it has been in an accident, if the seller is the original owner, and if the original receipts for the purchase and any maintenance work are available. The seller will see that you are a serious buyer.

Learn its history

For your peace of mind when making a purchase, check in the personal property registry of your province that the seller is indeed the owner of the motorcycle and does not have an unpaid loan. You can also ask provincial transportation officials for a vehicle information report on the scooter to see if it has been rebuilt, had a mechanical inspection, or to find out how many owners it has had.

Check

• The condition of the scooter: A used scooter with low mileage (2,000 km) should be in excellent condition.
• The original invoice: If available, compare the serial number of the invoice with the serial number on the vehicle. They should be the same. Otherwise, certain parts may have been changed, for good or bad reasons.
• Shock absorbers: For the front fork, make sure there is no oil on the tubes. Traces of oil indicate a potential leak as well as damaged fork joints. For the rear shock absorber, put weight on the seat and release. Multiple rebounds are a sign that the rear suspension is damaged.
• Tire wear: Make sure the tires are not too smooth.
• The condition of the brakes: The pads should not be thin nor the discs rough.
• Electrical system: Try the turn signals, cruise lights, high beams and horn.
• Aesthetics: Look for any scratches on the body, check the condition of the mirrors, and beware of rust spots on the exhaust pipe or engine components.

(Bonus) Take a test drive

Once you’ve inspected the vehicle, it’s time to go for a ride. During the test drive, accelerate quickly and ensure the engine doesn’t make a clicking sound. Test the scooter’s brakes repeatedly to verify their responsiveness. To check the alignment of the wheels and fork, drive at a speed of 50 km/hr, and briefly let go of the handlebars. If the scooter deviates from the trajectory, don’t buy it, as it may have been in an accident.

(Bonus) Negotiate

Ask the vendors which parts will need to be changed in the near future and mention any irregularities you noticed during the inspection and test drive. Start negotiations with your budget in mind. Take your time to think carefully before agreeing to a final price and never buy a scooter without trying it out first.

Following one or all of these steps will give you confidence and turn a long process of buying the right used scooter into an enjoyable buying experience.