Hey Mike, I am looking at buying a 2005 Fury. I read some where that Diamo has addressed a lot of these small issues you referred to in their 2005 models. The one that I am thinking of buying has been owned by this person for a little over a year and said he has only had to change the battery. I hope these scooters are like every thing else and you can get a good one or a lemon. Hope this one is good for the long haul.