Gilera Runner (2008)

620 real MOT outcomes analysed • 79.9% first-time pass rate

2008 Gilera Runner

CarHunch analysed 620 real MOT records for the 2008 Gilera Runner. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2008 Gilera Runner struggles to match the UK average, with a first-time pass rate of just 66.7% against the national benchmark of 80%, suggesting these 16-year-old scooters have reliability issues that buyers should take seriously. Roughly one in seven (13.9%) have suffered dangerous defects at some point, which is a meaningful concern for a vehicle in this age bracket.

With a median mileage of only 9,130 miles for a 16-year-old model, these Runners have typically been lightly used, yet they're still averaging 1.1 failures and 3.4 advisories per test—pointing to wear and maintenance neglect rather than high-mileage wear. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the chassis, electrics, and fuel system, as these appear to be the weak points dragging down the pass rate.

The 2008 Gilera Runner passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (79.9%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
79.9%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
13.9%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.1
Over 5.2 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
9k
Middle half: 6k–13k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 3.4 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 620 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 620 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 33.7%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Lighting 21%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing · Headlamp aim too high
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Suspension & steering 17.2%
Front suspension assembly has slight free play between the sliding members · Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion · Steering headbearing has slight free play · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 15.3%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick · Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Exhaust & emissions 9.9%
Exhaust noisy · Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 620 Gilera Runner cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2008 Gilera Runner

Based on MOT data from 620 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 13.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 618 79.8% 1.1

Colour Breakdown

Based on 21,491 Gilera Runner vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 26.7%
5,732
Black 21.3%
4,577
Silver 12.7%
2,740
Grey 11.8%
2,545
Blue 10.3%
2,222
Yellow 6.9%
1,488
White 4.2%
901
Green 2.4%
518
Orange 1.5%
333
Purple 0.7%
161
Gold 0.7%
153
Multi-colour 0.6%
121

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Gilera Runner vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

9,130
typical
5,901
low mileage
12,951
high mileage

Half of all 2008 Gilera Runner vehicles fall between 5,901 and 12,951 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 5,901 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
5,901–12,951 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2008 Gilera Runners sit.
Over 17,483 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2008 Gilera Runner — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 10% of 2008 Gilera Runners are still active.

Numbers are declining — 28 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (10% of peak).

271 28 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

5.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.1
Avg failures per vehicle
3.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Gilera Runner: All Runner years → Which year to buy? →
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Or browse all models: Gilera →

Compare with another model

See how the 2008 Gilera Runner stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?