Well - I made the mistake of texting the Aero 125 owner to find out some additional information about the scoot - the responses I received revealed a level of psycopathy and sociopathy that I didn't think I'd find when just asking about a scoot that someone posted for sale...
Anyway, take the following as a short course in "How NOT to Respond to Inquiries that are Generated by Your Craigslist Ad" - the texts are re-created verbatim here for your reading pleasure - designated by "Me" and "Aero 125 Owner" so you can follow along...
Me -
Good Afternoon! Is the Aero 125 still available? If so, is the oil tank/oil injection still functioning, or does one need to mix gas and oil? Is it running? How old are the current tires?
Aero 125 Owner -
I don't mix the gas and oil.......so, I think the oil injection is functioning. Yes....scooter runs. The tires could be original.......I never asked when I bought it.
Me -
How long have you owned it? If the tires are 33 years old, they should be dust by now...
Aero 125 Owner -
I don't know how long ago I bought and I don't see the relevance.......and I didn't ask the previous owner how long they owned it.....Yes.....the tires are dust.
Me -
Just wondered if you were the original owner or, if not, how long you've had it - like, a few years - or a few months...
Aero 125 Owner -
Yes.....I can't remember.....if this is a issue for you might want to look at a different scooter.......I don't understand how you make a decision on something by the length of time somebody else has owned something. Thank you for your interest. Good Luck.
Me -
How long someone has owned something is, I think, important in terms of knowing about the condition of the vehicle. For example, if you had bought it one month ago, and found out that there are way too many parts that need to be replaced, and just wanted to offload it on someone else, then I might not be interested. However, if you have had it for a few years, and are just done with it now, then things would appear in a better light. In any event I currently own a 150cc Kymco and my son owns a Baccio Heat 50 scooter. So I know about scooters and thought a 2-stroke might be interesting to play with. Perhaps this is why your scooter has been on Craigslist for many months, and it is still unsold. Good luck to you as well.
Aero 125 Owner -
Yes, you are correct. Craigslist people are stupid. Everybody asks too many stupid questions. The scooter is still for sale because I have not showed it once (have not had one intelligent buyer contact me yet). The money means nothing.......I might even decide to throw it away if I feel like it (I won't sell to a cheapo with dumb questions). Thank you.
Me -
Well, sir (or madam) - I also live in Palm City, and have been watching your ad. Your current price is realistic, which is why I contacted you today. I was going to ask to see it this evening, and you may very well have made a sale. Since, however, you feel that "how long have you owned it" is a "dumb" question, and accuse me of being a "cheapo" when we did not even discuss price, I think I'll take my "non-intelligent", college-educated, chemistry-degree possessing, over 140 IQ brain elsewhere...
Aero 125 Owner -
Ok, let me let you in on a little secret.....I am going to sell it cheap or even give it to someone that appreciates a Vintage Honda Scooter. When you see someone driving around in Palm City on this scooter, realize that this person contacted me and asked to see and possibly buy a Vintage Honda Scooter and did not ask how old the tires were, or how long you owned it.
Me -
I do appreciate a Vintage Honda Scooter - so much so that I have done quite a bit of research on the Aero 125. Even started a discussion on the "It Is The Ride" scooter board to ask if it was too old to consider. Split opinions - and it was suggested to me that I ask about things like how long you've owned it, when the brakes were last replaced, the battery, the tires, etc. All you had to say was that you didn't know or were unsure - in my humble opinion, disparaging comments about my lack of intelligence were unnecessary and insulting. I don't think I'll see that scooter running around Palm City anytime soon...
Aero 125 Owner -
Ok, how about this.....I think asking somebody how long you have owned something is a dumb question. I think it is insulting to ask somebody a question like that. PS you will see the scooter around in Palm City.......and it won't be you.
Me -
Ooo - a challenge! I could always call from another number, dude - and buy it and ride away - and you'd never know...
But, I think not...but I will put this whole conversation up in the scooter forum, under the heading "How NOT to Respond to Inquiries that are Generated by Your Craigslist ad" - should be quite amusing to read the replies...
I may even text you the link to the discussion - perhaps even YOU can learn something about interpersonal relations - or how to win friends and influence people...Dale Carnegie, anyone?
So, there it is - How NOT to Respond to Inquires that are Generated by Your Craigslist ad -
