How to Buy a Vespa

The Vespa is a scooter designed by Corradino D'Ascanio in the late 1940s. Though the manufacturing company, Piaggio, no longer imports vehicles into the United States, they are still available through alternative methods, such as classified ads and scooter shops. Use this guide to help you buy a Vespa.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Gather information to determine what model you want to buy. This can be done at a scooter rally, scooter shop or the official Vespa website. Check scooter magazines for recent news.
2. Search through classified ads, trade magazines, websites and local scooter shops. Find one that you want to look at in person and contact the seller to set up a meeting time.
3. Inspect the body of the Vespa thoroughly for any damage. Bends or ripples in the metal are signs of major damage to the frame from a crash. Use a magnet to determine if body filler was ever used. The magnet sticks to the metal but not the filler. Make sure none of the parts are missing or rusted.
4. Turn the vehicle on to test the motor. After it is warmed up, determine if it is idling smoothly and if everything is working properly. Listen for any strange noises. See if the motor runs up to high speed and returns to idling smoothly.
5. Take the Vespa for a test drive before you buy. Make sure the clutch works and that it can go into gear smoothly. Check the suspension, shocks and brakes. Loosen your grip on the handlebars to see if the bike tracks straight. If not, it has a bent frame or forks.
6. Determine how much you are willing to spend on it. Cheaper ones often need a lot of work that can cost you more than if you went ahead and bought a mostly restored one.
7. Confirm the legality of the sale. Because of the age and how many owners the scooter may have had, it is possible that there isn't a title for you to check this with. Once you feel comfortable, buy the Vespa.