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 First, hello and a big thank you to everyone who reads and responds to my post...and hopefully it will help future scooter virgins as well...second...i will continue with my story

 I am an american...living in France...and I've spent 3 and half years without transportation...i now have the opportunity to buy a scooter...but i want to make the correct choice

 1.  I have exchanged my drivers license...so in France...i can drive a 125 cc scooter without a motorcycle permit...so i need a 125 cc

2.  My scooter needs:...basically to zip around town (and the outskirts) as i see fit (hop, skip, jump to work or whereever) (lots of storage probably a plus for things like shopping or travels)

3.  I would also like a 125 cc scooter that can accelerate (the 125 cc scooter that can go the fastest) on stretches of highway/freeway...for weekend trips or any trip..for that matter

4.  I'm not short nor super tall...and i am not a petite woman...i am strong...so moving a "non running" scooter will not be a problem for me

5.  My first choice is to find the best deal available among used scooters...so what would be the most interesting features to look for when looking at used scooters (i would like to find newer scooters/ low miles/ good features/ )  

6.  What features are recommended (must have features...that make life simpler/safer etc) and what features can be left aside for other features?

7.  Reliability is a big thing...i see lots of scooters that are "cheaper" but from what i understand...not one you would want to buy...are there name brands that have good features...reliable...good quality products...but ARE cheaper?  

I know i have a lot of questions...but after combing through pages and pages of internet...my eyes are starting to go buggy...and everything is just rolling around in my head...i find it just better to ask the questions...and those that know...can give advice!!

 I appreciate all responses and input

Merci beaucoup!!

"tsquirrelnutt"

1.  I have exchanged my drivers license...so in France...i can drive a 125 cc scooter without a motorcycle permit...so i need a 125 cc

For the type of riding you are anticipating you may want to go bigger.  Any chance of upping your licence?

5.  My first choice is to find the best deal available among used scooters...so what would be the most interesting features to look for when looking at used scooters (i would like to find newer scooters/ low miles/ good features/ )  

Do you want air or liquid cooled engine?

Do you want disc brakes both front and rear?

Do you want large wheels?

What seat height will you be comfortable with?

7.  Reliability is a big thing...i see lots of scooters that are "cheaper" but from what i understand...not one you would want to buy...are there name brands that have good features...reliable...good quality products...but ARE cheaper?  

Can't agree more.  Depending on your budget, have a look at the Aprilia Scarabeo line and compare these with say the Piaggio Fly.  As you say, looking on the Internet can just end up making your eyes swim.  You need to get to a scooter shop and sit on a few to see how they compare.  You'll know which one to get as soon as you meet it and take it for a test ride.

 for right now...i don't not have the possiblity to go bigger...in france you have to pay (loads of money) to pass any kind of drivers exams...so if i upgrade...it will be later...i'm just excited that i will have some mode of transportation...as opposed to none...but that is why i am asking all these questions...so that i can get the best scooter...for the money....

1st answer...no..i can't go bigger

2 i don't know if i want air or liquid cooled engine or disc brakes (both front and rear)....large wheels...i think i'd prefer...they seem to be a better choice...and seat height (i think is negligable...i would probably be confortable on anything)

those questions you just asked...are some that i don't know about...for example...does it make a huge difference in performance..air vs liquid cooling...or is the difference not worth a price...same with the brakes (and ABS brakes as well)...i guess my question would be...what things should i absolutley look for...and what things will not make a huge difference (in safety or performance) without hiking up the price...

and thanks for the advice on checking out the aprilia's and piaggio's...so i'll do that too

tsquirrelnutt:

those questions you just asked...are some that i don't know about...for example...does it make a huge difference in performance..air vs liquid cooling...or is the difference not worth a price...same with the brakes (and ABS brakes as well)...i guess my question would be...what things should i absolutley look for...and what things will not make a huge difference (in safety or performance) without hiking up the price...

If you are looking at buying second hand you will want one that will be around for a while.  Generally speaking (and there are always exceptions to the rule) liquid cooled engines tend to last longer as their temperature can be controlled better from over heating.  Again, drum brakes tend to need more regular adjusting than discs and tend not to be as effective.  Both these "issues" are for a "long term" purchase rather than something to buy and discard before the warranty period runs out.

 Since you have joined this community, take a look around the scooter review area, then go and sit on a few.

sr50:

The Honda SH150I

Good choice, I don't know about paying that much & getting a drum rear brake though.