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sandi10

Mar 8, 2004, 12:39 AM

Post #1 of 6 (485 views)

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Vespa or Mopeds?

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My sister and I will be moving to SMA soon, and are looking for alternatives to a full size vehicle for getting back and forth to classes, Tuesday Market, etc. Would a Vespa or a Moped (or something like it) be an option? Anyone have pros or cons on this? Looking forward to dancing my ass off! Thanks to all in advance! sandi10

(This post was edited by sandi10 on Mar 8, 2004, 12:41 AM)

D.G.

Mar 8, 2004, 4:04 AM

Post #2 of 6 (478 views)

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Re: [sandi10] Vespa or Mopeds?

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I'd skip the moped or Vespa and take a taxi or bus. That way, you won't be contributing to additional air pollution, you'll be safer, and if you have to haul things, they won't get wet. Also, a ride over cobblestones isn't all that pleasant on a moped.

Brian

Mar 8, 2004, 5:46 AM

Post #3 of 6 (473 views)

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Re: [D.G.] Vespa or Mopeds?

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To each his own..I bought a honda motorscooter at the local dealer and love it for the flexibility it affords...I zip all over town (in between stalled traffic) and don't have to plan my activities as before. It is quick and easy to stop in at the Biblioteca, pay the utility bills and stop at the gym in Colonia San Antonio. Should you buy one, I would suggest either Honda or Yamaha as both have dealers with parts readily available. Also, get one with the biggest wheels available. San Miguel is riddled with baches that can wrench the handlebars and give you quite as scare or worse. If you buy one and it's not your cup of tea, you can easily resell it.

saludos

Brian

Carol Schmidt

Mar 8, 2004, 7:53 AM

Post #4 of 6 (457 views)

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Re: [Brian] Vespa or Mopeds?

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In Phoenix we used to put 40,000 miles a year on our car; in San Miguel, other than when we have to drive to the US, we put on 1,200 miles a year. You'll find you can walk to your classes and to the Biblioteca and just about everyplace else just fine, taking a taxi when you have groceries to carry home.

We do drive to Tuesday Market and Gigante once a week because we buy so much Diet Pepsi and produce that we find it hard to get it all into a taxi and to go between the Tuesday Market and then Gigante with all the purchases in both places. And we drive to Costco once a month to load up on meats and specialty stuff. That's it. Otherwise we walk.

There are some very small cars here that are not available in the US which might fit your needs. They're tiny things, look like half the size of a standard US model. A stripped Ford Fiesta, not so little, four door, is around $8,500 US, and some two-door models are even less.

I even see golf carts and ATVs on the streets! But I'm so thrilled I can walk just about anyplace, and hop in a taxi for $1.35 US most of the other times, or on the city buses which come so often I can't believe it. Norma would love to sell our car but I admit, I'd feel trapped somehow without one, just psychological. We don't even drive to the States anymore, we've decided, the first-class buses are cheaper and less stressful.

Carol Schmidt

lbc

Mar 8, 2004, 6:16 PM

Post #5 of 6 (424 views)

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Re: [sandi10] Vespa or Mopeds?

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i have a suzuki and love zipping around san miguel. brian hit it on the head, it frees you and gives you more options. taxis are fine. but sometimest his little thing just doest he trick.

i miss my vespa. but i would actually prefer a four wheler. they are more stable and fel safer with all the holes and bumps and debris. bu tif you are cautious and slow, and practice patience even on your scoter, you will do fine. i love my mobility. i also have a car for bigger trips and needs. and i love the busses, too. with the scooter, you will have it ALL and that does matter to some people.

best to you,

lisa

Carol Schmidt

Mar 9, 2004, 6:34 AM

Post #6 of 6 (394 views)

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Reasons for deletion

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I just deleted a post in this thread which I thought could be libelous in its denunciation of one dealership and family. Please be aware of the possible implications to yourself and to MexConnect when you make accusations against another person or company. A generalized warning about being careful when purchasing a vehicle--check for such things as whether the odometer could have been turned back and whether a "new" vehicle is really new--is certainly in order. Sorry to use my "delete" authority--I'm usually very lenient but with my journalism background I'm aware of libel law as well.

Carol Schmidt