Piaggio Skipper (2003)
2003 Piaggio Skipper
CarHunch analysed 505 real MOT records for the 2003 Piaggio Skipper. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2003 Piaggio Skipper falls slightly below the UK average with a 77.7% first-time pass rate versus 80%, suggesting a moderately reliable scooter for its age, though the 12.1% rate of dangerous defects is worth monitoring. Petrol versus diesel comparisons don't apply to a scooter, but the consistency of failures across the sample is fairly predictable.
At nearly 10,000 miles average mileage, these machines have seen moderate use for their twenty-year-old age, and the 1.49 average failures per test indicates common wear issues rather than systemic problems. With 3.4 advisories per vehicle on record, you're looking at routine maintenance items—expect to budget for regular brake, suspension, and light repairs if you buy one, and always get a full pre-purchase inspection focused on brake condition and electrical systems.
What to check before buying a 2003 Piaggio Skipper
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Piaggio Skipper
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Mileage Distribution
Most 2003 Piaggio Skipper vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2003 Piaggio Skipper vehicles fall between 5,274 and 12,967 miles.
2003 Piaggio Skipper — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 11 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (11% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2003 Piaggio Skipper
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
30.1%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
26.2%
Front suspension assembly has slight free play between the sliding members
-
25.8%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
22.2%
Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
-
18.7%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
-
18.2%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
-
15%
Front suspension has slight stiffness in the movement of the suspension.
-
14.5%
Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2003. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Piaggio Skipper?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.