I'm in a bit of a pickle. Not a serious one mind you but one that I nevertheless never thought I'd find myself in. I am looking to buy a 150cc scooter for zipping around the neighborhood and have narrowed it down to two possiblities, one driven by emotion and one driven by reason.

My brain says to go with a like-new 2020 Kymco Like 150i with 224 miles on the clock. It is a reliable Taiwanese scooter with LED lights all around, a USB charging port, ABS, a 13.5 bhp 150cc engine, a top speed of 68 mph, and an official EPA rating of 80 mpg. It will most likely last a lifetime and be very reliable yet also incredibly boring with absolutely no drama.

My heart says to go with a 2018 Piaggio Vespa LX 150 with 683 miles on the clock. It is an Italian vehicle with none of the bells and whistles listed above, a top speed of 59 mph, and an official EPA rating of 70 mpg. It will most likely fall apart at some point but will do so in a very flashy and flamboyant manner. It is $1,000 more expensive than the Kymco but it looks absolutely stunning and unlike for the Kymco there are actually a plethora of third-party accessories and spare parts available.

Every single fiber in my body says Kymco, because it's the more sensible and much safer choice. However, I really like the idea of owning an original Vespa and an Italian vehicle, one that might go up in flames and rot away in my driveway but will look absolutely fantastic while doing so.

Who would you listen to in my position - heart or brain?

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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"