Should I buy this scooter?
April 21, 2008 12:07 PM Subscribe
Should I buy a Peugeot Zenith scooter?
OK, I've had a moped a few years back and liked it a lot, but now I have a chance to buy one of these puppies. I wonder if any of you more experienced people out there can tell me if this is a good idea or not. First, the price is $556/€350. What do you think about that?
Assuming I go there alone to check it out, aside from making sure it works ok, what else can I do to make sure that I'm not getting ripped off?
OK, I've had a moped a few years back and liked it a lot, but now I have a chance to buy one of these puppies. I wonder if any of you more experienced people out there can tell me if this is a good idea or not. First, the price is $556/€350. What do you think about that?
Assuming I go there alone to check it out, aside from making sure it works ok, what else can I do to make sure that I'm not getting ripped off?
Oh yeah, and get a receipt, and take a witness along for title transfer.
posted by Sallyfur at 4:34 PM on April 21, 2008
posted by Sallyfur at 4:34 PM on April 21, 2008
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how old is it?
how much on the odometer?
50cc?
repair receipts from annual service?
how often was it serviced?
where did they have it serviced?
has it been registered steady since it was purchased?
habitual load -- dual riders? carrying cargo?
if stored overwinter, did they store it dry? (leaving fuel in might wreck your carb)
how old are the tires?
tread on the tires? enough left? even wear?
stored inside or out?
ever been dropped? (check endcaps on the handlebars, backs of the mirrors, sides of the body)
can you look at the air filter/sparkplug/other user-serviceable parts?
how old is the battery?
how easily does it start?
shocks -- bounce it while seated. does it have too much play?
drop the throttle -- does the idle sound high? does it idle nicely? stall? try this both cold and after your test drive
brakes -- how far do you have to mash the brakes before they engage? check adjustment bolt -- is it indicating worn shoes?
fluids -- viscosity? dirt in the oil?
test drive: straight line slow -- does it wobble?
straight line faster -- does it skew?
slow corner right
slow corner left
try out high beams, low beams, horn, brake light, and signals, front and back.
take it out on the street if you can -- check if you can make eye contact with other drivers.
Before you go out there, just do a Craigslist/eBay/classified search and see if that price looks about average. If it's high, it better score 100% on your test, or you can feel safe lowballing. I wouldn't buy one more than 8 years old without annual service history, indoor storage, and up-to-date service.
Take a helmet with you, and closed-toe shoes for the test.
posted by Sallyfur at 4:33 PM on April 21, 2008