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Should I get a Scooter?
Topic Started: May 11 2010, 01:36 PM (428 Views)
Luke's Dad
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Emperor Pengin
Ok, the Toyota's starting to die. I figure it's got another 6 months of light use left. (10 miles roundtrip for me to go to work per day)

Now there are currently some 2010 models of vehicles out there that can be had for 5-6K less than invoice. For instance, www.truecar.com is showing me that I can get a 2010 Hyundai Sonata with an invoice price of $18836 for around $14.5 right now. The problem is that in about six months, my credit score should be in the realm of getting me 0% financing. Unfortunately, the 2010's won't be around anymore, and I'll end up spending more for the 2011's. (I know, I normally buy used vehicles, but I do not want to go through the hassle that buying a used car entails.) So I can buy now and save several thousand dollars in the price, or I can wait six months, pay more for the car but save several thousand in interest.

Then there's option C. Buy a decent used Scooter for $1000 to use on nicer days this spring summer and fall. Hopefully I can get enough use of it, reducing the wear and tear on the Toyota, in order to be able to stretch out the Toyota's lifetime to 10-12 months. If I can do that, I can be in a position to take advantage of both the higher credit score, and the reduced costs for the previous years models. Then I can go ahead and sell the scooter and should be able to recoup most of my investment into it.

What do you guys suggest?
The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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ivorythumper
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I am so adjective that I verb nouns!
Scooter? Asset protection = 0. You can't afford that sort of exposure.
The dogma lives loudly within me.
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The 89th Key
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Regarding the buy now (save money) vs buy later (save interest), I say buy now. You can invest the money you saved now in a CD or savings account.

Regarding a scooter, depending on your commute (safety and distance) that seems like a fun/smart option. If I had the chance I'd love to go around on a scooter...it was a fun way to travel in Europe, even on roads I'd never been on before. Again, there is an undeniably "fun" factor in it, as well as it prolonging the life of your Toyota which would probably appreciate the break from the summer heat, esp if it's near the end of its life.
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Nobody's Sock
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Fulla-Carp
Copycat.


First he starts in on zombie killing, now he wants a scooter!

LD, shall I map out the rest of your life for ya? :smooch:
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."
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jon-nyc
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Cheers
If I needed a car I'd buy a new Honda Fit. You can get them for under 15k.

Having said that, I'd love a scooter, but I think thats hard to justify financially, you're probably better off playing chicken with fate and driving the toyota another 6 months.
In my defense, I was left unsupervised.
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Luke's Dad
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ivorythumper
May 11 2010, 01:41 PM
Scooter? Asset protection = 0. You can't afford that sort of exposure.
I wouldn't consider it if it wasn't for the fact that the five miles to work and five miles back is all on residential streets. No highway at all. The speed limits (which are strictly enforced) are 35 to 40. It really wouldn't be any worse than riding a bike. I would even consider just riding a bike, except I can't show up for work needing a shower.
The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
We rented scooters in Key West.
They are so fun to ride.

PTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPT!
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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
Dude.

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C'mon, just look how pretty.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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schindler
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Fulla-Carp
I say go for the scooter. They get ridiculous gas millage and they are a very good option for a non-highway commute. We seriously considered buying one a while ago and may yet do so.
We're all mad here!
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Luke's Dad
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jon-nyc
May 11 2010, 01:53 PM
If I needed a car I'd buy a new Honda Fit. You can get them for under 15k.

Having said that, I'd love a scooter, but I think thats hard to justify financially, you're probably better off playing chicken with fate and driving the toyota another 6 months.
Why buy a Fit when I can get a Civic for under 13k? TrueCar

I don't find the Scooter that hard to justify. I should be able to find something decent used for around $1000. Since it was used to begin with, I should be able to recoup most of that next year. Let's say I sell it for $700. That means a total outlay of $300. If I just get 1000 miles out of it between now and next year, I think that's well worth it financially, probably can pay for the difference just in the gas alone. 1000 miles at 30MPG for the Toyota = 33 Gallons, @ $3.00 a gallon, that's nearly $1000 dollars. At 60MPG for a scooter, that's saving me $500.00.
The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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jon-nyc
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Cheers
Yeah, you're probably right.


I'm just jealous. I want a scooter.
In my defense, I was left unsupervised.
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Luke's Dad
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Aqua Letifer
May 11 2010, 01:55 PM
Dude.

Posted Image

C'mon, just look how pretty.
I thought about it, but five miles (mostly uphil) would be enough for me to get a sweat going by the time I got there. I could get a gym membership to take a shower, but that's a waste as our community center costs me like $200 a year. Plus, the time frame. By the time I get back from walking Luke to school, it's 8:45. That doesn't leave me enough time to bike to the gym, get a shower and changed, and get to the store by 9:30.
The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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Luke's Dad
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jon-nyc
May 11 2010, 02:09 PM
Yeah, you're probably right.


I'm just jealous. I want a scooter.
Not to mention that I'm hoping to actually get 2k miles out of it, not just 1000.
The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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Nobody's Sock
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Fulla-Carp
Maryland/DC Metro area right?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/search/?areaID=10&subAreaID=3&query=scooter&catAbb=sss
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."
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Luke's Dad
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Emperor Pengin
How are those Chinese models like Qingqi? Would I be better off buying a used Yamaha or Vespa?
The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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Nobody's Sock
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Fulla-Carp
Luke's Dad
May 11 2010, 02:38 PM
How are those Chinese models like Qingqi? Would I be better off buying a used Yamaha or Vespa?
The Chinese scoots are crap! And most of those scooters that don't advertise the brand will be Chinese doodoos. Yes, used Yamaha, Vespa would be best option. Unfortunately, your budget will be very limiting, even for used. But if you're just needing to go through residential areas, a 49cc scoot will get you there and back for sure. You won't even need a motorcycle license if it's under 50cc.
Pore over the Craigslist adds, look for scoots with low mileage as first priority. That 2008 Yamaha Zuma for $1399 looks pretty solid.
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."
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Kincaid
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HOLY CARP!!!
Yes, if you don't have a motorcycle endorsement your state law probably requires a 50cc or smaller motor. That can barely cut going up any hill at all. Test it first to make sure you aren't putting along at 15 mph when the limit is 40 mph.

Yes, the Chinese scoots are crap. Your thousand dollar outlay will be reduced heavily when you try to sell the rusty, rough running junker with the the snapped off thingy (see, you just jiggle it and it works fine!). Buy a Yamaha Vino or Ruckus or something like that. This is what I'd get if I was in your position: http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/1732366655.html Oops, except it is a 70cc.
Edited by Kincaid, May 11 2010, 08:14 PM.
Kincaid - disgusted Republican Partisan since 2006.
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Kincaid
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HOLY CARP!!!
BTW, do some math and see what your best rate is thru a credit union or bank right now. When I bought my car I wanted the 0% financing but they would not deal on the price. Once I dropped my insistence on their financing, and got financing at 3.99%, they came down over $1,000 off the price.

Oh, and the Sonata? :thumb:
Edited by Kincaid, May 11 2010, 08:19 PM.
Kincaid - disgusted Republican Partisan since 2006.
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bachophile
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HOLY CARP!!!
Posted Image

:tsktsk: :tsktsk: :tsktsk:
"I don't know much about classical music. For years I thought the Goldberg Variations were something Mr. and Mrs. Goldberg did on their wedding night." Woody Allen
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The 89th Key
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Yeah with that commute, LD...I think a Scooter would be fun and practical, and cheap!
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taiwan_girl
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Fulla-Carp
Definitely get a scooter! :thumb:

Posted Image
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Red Rice
HOLY CARP!!!
If it's good enough for Darth...

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Civilisation, I vaguely realized then - and subsequent observation has confirmed the view - could not progress that way. It must have a greater guiding principle to survive. To treat it as a carcase off which each man tears as much as he can for himself, is to stand convicted a brute, fit for nothing better than a jungle existence, which is a death-struggle, leading nowhither. I did not believe that was the human destiny, for Man individually was sane and reasonable, only collectively a fool.

I hope the gunner of that Hun two-seater shot him clean, bullet to heart, and that his plane, on fire, fell like a meteor through the sky he loved. Since he had to end, I hope he ended so. But, oh, the waste! The loss!

- Cecil Lewis
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Qaanaaq-Liaaq
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Senior Carp
No. Forget option C. You evidently have your sights set on a new car. Don’t buy a moped unless you have long term plans for it.

It’s looks like it’s a trade off between a 2010 and a 2011 car.
2010 car = more interest but lower retail price.
2011 car = less interest but higher retail price.

Crunch the numbers. Keep in mind that if you buy an end-of-model-year 2010 car off a dealer’s lot, it’ll be a leftover. You’ll have less models to choose from and most likely you’re not going to get your choice of options and color. If you buy a 2011 model, then there’ll be more cars of that model to select from.

You could continue driving your current car and hope for the best. It might last longer than you think. And the prices on 2011 models may not go up as much as you think. Hundreds of dollars maybe but not thousands considering the economic climate.

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Kincaid
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HOLY CARP!!!
Luke's Dad
May 11 2010, 01:36 PM
The problem is that in about six months, my credit score should be in the realm of getting me 0% financing. Unfortunately, the 2010's won't be around anymore, and I'll end up spending more for the 2011's.
Not sure about your market, but around here there will plenty of 2010 Sonatas still on the lots 6-7 months from now.
Kincaid - disgusted Republican Partisan since 2006.
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