Hello everyone,
I have been in Taichung for about two months now and I am in the market for a scooter, particularly a Vespa. I would like to know if anyone has a good contact or knows of a scooter shop that sells them. I would also like to know what the price range of a Vespa is and what it costs to maitain them. In addition if you could tell me how many cc’s I should get, or what is recommended all would be very appreciated.
Thanks for any help you can give me. 
Look in the Buy and Sell forum first. 
Or… I KNOW try a Vespa shop. Crazy idea, I know. 
Like I said I am still very knew to Taichung and I am not very familiar with the area. So if you know a phone number or location that would be awesome.
Thanks again.
:help:
[quote=“stare”]I have been in Taichung (Taizhong) for about two months now and I am in the market for a scooter, particularly a Vespa. I would like to know if anyone has a good contact or knows of a scooter shop that sells them. I would also like to know what the price range of a Vespa is and what it costs to maitain them. In addition if you could tell me how many cc’s I should get, or what is recommended all would be very appreciated.[/quote]Hi and welcome.
I remember seeing a Vespa shop in Taichung on Xiangshang Road (sometimes spelled Shiangshang), near the park. It was on the right, going in the general direction of the train station. Get yourself a copy of the Compass magazine and look at the map inside. Compass is free and in lots of places: some bookshops, lots of ‘foreigner’ bars, cafes and restaurants. Copies usually run out quickly so now is a good time to get one. If you need more detailed directions then send me a private message.
Why do you particularly want a Vespa? I feel that a Taiwanese brand scooter would be much better value for money whether new or secondhand.
I don’t really have specific knowledge but I would guess that as new Vespas are imported and are also something of a fashion statement they will be pretty expensive. Older Vespas are also a fashion statement but will also need a fair bit of maintenance.
Ironlady, a regular poster on this forum has a Vespa, seems to have had very few problems and enjoys riding it so maybe she can chip in with some advice.
My advice is, wait until July and you can have mine. I’ll be selling it then. 
Don’t know about Taichong, but I got mine from ‘xiao ma’ in Taipei, just about a block from where I live. Very reliable (both the shop and the Vespa).
Don’t listen to this.
I have had Vespas for the past nearly 19 years here (I am on my second one) and I mean the classic ones, not the girly versions with no shifting.
You can get a completely reconditioned 150cc for about NT$25,000 or so. It will look and run like new. I have 25,000 kilometers on the current one and it has never had a single problem.
And they are way cool, too.