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Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 9:55:17 GMT -5
Need Guidance with picking a dealer a Dealer; I am in Charlotte, NC
I hope this is the right location on the forum, if not I am sure the moderators can move it.
I have read tons of information on this site and on the older ScootDawg but needs some guidance.
I understand that the China units have their issues but I don’t want to spend the money for a vespa or Honda.
I want to purchase two scooters to use while camping but want it to be able to go over 50mph. We plan to tow them on a trailer and ride them at different locations while on vacation in the next month or so. My wife and I both have our motorcycle license so that won’t be an issue.
I have narrowed it down to the TaoTao ATM150A 150cc scooter based on other’s reviews, price, and availability of parts. I hope the four stroke is the right choice.
My next hurdle is the dealer. I have looked at several but have narrowed it to “FamilyGoKarts.com”; like many of the online china dealer reviews they are not rated very highly. I plan to replace many of the parts suggested such as fuel lines, vacuum lines, fuel filter ect….. But won’t I need from a dealer is someone that will stand behind the shipping, warranty, and out of the box functionality. I was a little concerned with “KiloMarie” commenting in forums on how great the service is from FamilyGoKarts.com but not disclosing she works for the company.
Thanks!
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Post by millsc on Aug 19, 2013 9:58:15 GMT -5
i suggest provenpowersports.com, familygocarts tried to have me pay with payza, red flag.
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Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 10:02:08 GMT -5
[replyingto=millsc]millsc[/replyingto]Thanks
They are a little more expensive for the same scooters. Did you have to deal with any warranty stuff? If so how was the customer service from provenpowersports.com?
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Post by millsc on Aug 19, 2013 10:03:59 GMT -5
yes bought two scooters from provenpowersports and yes stuff has broke, william there sent the parts no questions asked. Got the scoot in three days! I have bought stuff from gsmotorworks, greenearth and scooterdepot provenpowersports is by far the best.
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Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 10:05:08 GMT -5
[replyingto=millsc]millsc[/replyingto]Thank you! Sounds like you have owned a few scooters. Do you think the ATM150-A would be a good choice?
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Post by millsc on Aug 19, 2013 10:07:43 GMT -5
greenearth was one the worst, wants you to pay shipping on broke items even if it arrives broken  i'll report about scooterdepot later today my new scoot will be here today, shipping time was pretty slow |
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Post by millsc on Aug 19, 2013 10:09:26 GMT -5
I have owned and sold 8 scooters bought six online so far, all the china scoots will need maintenance, if your not good with a wrench i'd stay away from the china scoots.
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Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 10:40:12 GMT -5
[replyingto=millsc]millsc[/replyingto]Thanks for the info. I am pretty handy with a wrench and don't mind a little maintenance. I have rebuilt a few 2 stroke Seadoos but have never set valve lash on a four stroke but I am sure I can figure it out. I don't mind doing a little work on the scooter to get it road ready I just don't want to be left stranded in another state with no resources and limited tools.  |
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Post by millsc on Aug 19, 2013 10:58:04 GMT -5
My china scoots have been fairly reliable after putting quality parts in them, all have been fun and ill continue to buy them
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Post by cfm on Aug 19, 2013 14:23:32 GMT -5
Have you spoken to any of the Charlotte area dealers?
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Post by DaveC on Aug 19, 2013 14:39:44 GMT -5
I'm biased, but I'd go with Jim at RapidRepair.
Jim is a retired Military Veteran who gave 20 years of his life to the Air Force, and carries with him the same feeling of pride and ownership he did while he was active duty.
After initial contact, by his personal cell fone, he called me on a regular basis to keep me informed of the order, arrival, paperwork, etc.
Yea, his prices may be a little higher than the no brick and mortar stores, (he has his own scooter shop) but, I know if I need a widget, all I gotta do is call him and he'll find one for me.
As with most Chinese scooters, YOU will have to do most the maint.
Welcome and good luck on your choice of scoot.
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Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 14:40:15 GMT -5
[replyingto=cfm]cfm[/replyingto]Yes.... two bike shops in the area. They were significantly more expensive but of course they are not crate scooters but rather ready to ride. I have enough mechanical ability to save a few bucks and assemble it myself..... i hope  |
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Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 14:44:17 GMT -5
I'm biased, but I'd go with Jim at RapidRepair. Jim is a retired Military Veteran who gave 20 years of his life to the Air Force, and carries with him the same feeling of pride and ownership he did while he was active duty. After initial contact, by his personal cell fone, he called me on a regular basis to keep me informed of the order, arrival, paperwork, etc. Yea, his prices may be a little higher than the no brick and mortar stores, (he has his own scooter shop) but, I know if I need a widget, all I gotta do is call him and he'll find one for me. As with most Chinese scooters, YOU will have to do most the maint. Welcome and good luck on your choice of scoot. I saw the Rapid Repair banner here on this site and checked them out. you are right, their prices are a little higher. |
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Post by DaveC on Aug 19, 2013 14:54:58 GMT -5
I'm biased, but I'd go with Jim at RapidRepair. Jim is a retired Military Veteran who gave 20 years of his life to the Air Force, and carries with him the same feeling of pride and ownership he did while he was active duty. After initial contact, by his personal cell fone, he called me on a regular basis to keep me informed of the order, arrival, paperwork, etc. Yea, his prices may be a little higher than the no brick and mortar stores, (he has his own scooter shop) but, I know if I need a widget, all I gotta do is call him and he'll find one for me. As with most Chinese scooters, YOU will have to do most the maint. Welcome and good luck on your choice of scoot. I saw the Rapid Repair banner here on this site and checked them out. you are right, their prices are a little higher. Remembering of course that Jims prices include shipping. And he cares about his customers (I'm a HUGE fan of Customer Service) And he has a personal sayso on the goings on at the distributorship in Ontario Calif. Or, you can go with the unknown shadow sitting in his basement taking your money and can't even friggin ride a scooter. |
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Post by Luke on Aug 19, 2013 21:25:21 GMT -5
partsforscooter.com is more rapid, i mean more faster in shipping.  |
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