Piaggio Mp3 (2016)

494 real MOT outcomes analysed • 89.3% first-time pass rate

2016 Piaggio Mp3

CarHunch analysed 494 real MOT records for the 2016 Piaggio Mp3. 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 Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 494 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2016 Piaggio MP3 passes its MOT first time in 89.3% of cases, well above the UK average of 80%, which suggests these three-wheelers are generally well-maintained. However, 22.3% have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is notably high and warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection or test drive.

These MP3s show relatively modest mileage for their age, averaging 13,196 miles, indicating they're often used for leisure rather than daily commuting. The low failure rate (0.7 per vehicle) combined with moderate advisories (2.5 per vehicle) means most issues are minor, but any potential buyer should ask for full MOT history and specifically check for structural or brake defects given the dangerous defect prevalence.

The 2016 Piaggio Mp3 passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (89.3%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 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
89.3%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
22.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.7
Over 5.6 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
11k
Middle half: 6k–17k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 89.3% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 2.5 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 494 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 494 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 22.9%
Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Other issues 15.3%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION
Brake wear 14.6%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Lighting 12.9%
Headlamp aim too high
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Suspension & steering 9.1%
Steering movement slightly notchy · Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play · Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Exhaust & emissions 5.9%
Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 494 Piaggio Mp3 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 Piaggio Mp3

Based on MOT data from 494 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 22.3% 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

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,681 Piaggio Mp3 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 45.4%
1,216
Grey 25.7%
688
White 13.3%
357
Blue 5.2%
140
Silver 4.7%
125
Red 3.5%
93
Green 2.3%
62

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Piaggio Mp3 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.

10,875
typical
6,106
low mileage
17,182
high mileage

Half of all 2016 Piaggio Mp3 vehicles fall between 6,106 and 17,182 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 6,106 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.
6,106–17,182 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Piaggio Mp3s sit.
Over 23,195 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 Piaggio Mp3 — Still on the Road

Most 2016 Piaggio Mp3s are still being driven.

285 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 74% of the peak remain.

387 285 2019 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
* 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

5.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.7
Avg failures per vehicle
2.5
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Piaggio Mp3: All Mp3 years → Which year to buy? →
2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019

Or browse all models: Piaggio →

Compare with another model

See how the 2016 Piaggio Mp3 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?