Yes the prices have gone up, there is now a demand for fuel efficent vehicles. I was lucky I got my Hobbit for 250.00 back in '98 my moby for 50.00 in '05 and a sebring project for 200.00 in '06...all well worth the money spent imo. I would not buy a new scooter ever but I would buy a used Honda one or a vespa one, but vespas are crazy expensive! I would also love a qt-50 or a fa-50 shuttle...Kymco is coming up in the world as well. None of my bikes are for sale ever! I will keep them untill I'am too old to ride!