New Genuine Buddy or Vintage Vespa Primavera ET3?

by Diane
(Somewhere)

I am just deciding to buy my first scooter and I am having a hard time choosing between new and vintage. I am looking for a scooter that I can use for my very short commute, and just fun little road trips.


I want my scooter to be reliable, fun and unique. I don't mind a little extra work to maintain a vintage Vespa; however, I don't know what is required and I don't know anyone else with a scooter.

I have heard that the Buddy is a great scooter to learn on, and I don't know how challenging the Vespa is to ride.

Comments for New Genuine Buddy or Vintage Vespa Primavera ET3?

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Mar 22, 2010
 Scooter riding from a pro
by: Frederick A

Ive been riding since my first car was a motorcycle. While waiting for my age to be 19 and stationed at Ft. Ord, California, I figured before I go to Vietnam Let me get a small apt, with a fellow solider. Had to take a military driving course, I'm still riding at 57. Own several vintages.
Get on the computer & type in scooters 50cc 150cc from China. I bought one 18 months ago $1477.00 delivered. Now they're even cheaper.
Consider almost all have kick start and push button electric start. Don,'t buy anything without both types of starting options. The various styles may bewilder you, but almost all the parts from China are interchangeable and American companies business have tripled since 2007.

They are so reliable. 150cc will allow you to go anywhere on any US highway. 80MPG. Take some safety lessons & get a motorcycle endorsement. When it arrives it may require you to put acid in the battery. Trickle charge it a day put on some handlebar mirror turn signals, Then get ready for people to start saying things to you because you are now theater on wheels.

And you can get around the cities side streets highways. It's a new world and should you ever go alone on a trip, bikers are the best people to help you, You become a special part of the motorcyclists alumni. Almost like being a US veteran. Well almost. Frederick A NY and Calif.
Jul 06, 2009
 Stella, Stella
by: Jim Zeiser

If you want a Vintage Vespa but want a modern scooter you want the Genuine Stella. It has a hand clutch and shifter mechanism and a rear foot brake. It comes with a 150cc two stroke engine and automatic oil injection now but rumors of a four stroke engine in the future are building. It's built in India and is put together well and won't require a lot of wrenching. Good choice.
May 18, 2009
 Good Question, Diane
by: Kathi

Great question! Thanks for asking it... I'll give you my opinion... I'm not familiar with that particular Vespa model, but if it's vintage, I'm guessing it's a manual transmission, so there's one big difference from the automatic Buddy, which is a pure dream to drive... nothing could be easier. Shifting with a foot clutch is certainly something you can learn, but like any new skill, it will take effort.

The quality of the two scoots may be similar. Both are made from Piaggio parts. But it's likely the Vespa will cost you much more, mainly because of the power of the brand.

Finally, I'm guessing the Buddy will require less maintenance, simply because it is new. In the end, I think you have to prioritize what matters to you... the Vespa tradition, name and vintage-ness, or cost, ease of use and ease of maintenance? Whatever you choose, I'll bet you'll have fun!

Best... Kathi

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