Piaggio Vespa S 125 (2008)
2008 Piaggio Vespa S 125
CarHunch analysed 134 real MOT records for the 2008 Piaggio Vespa S 125. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2008 Piaggio Vespa S 125 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 62.1%, which is notably below the UK average of 80%, signalling reliability concerns for this cohort. One in five of these scooters (18.7%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, a moderately high proportion that warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
These Vespas are typically running low mileage—averaging 12,250 miles across 16 years—yet still accumulate 1.17 failures and 2.8 advisories per vehicle on test, suggesting age-related wear rather than heavy use is the culprit. Before buying, get an independent mechanic to check the fuel system, electrics, and braking components, as these are the weak spots showing up repeatedly in this model's test history.
What to check before buying a 2008 Piaggio Vespa S 125
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 Vespa S 125
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.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 132 | 61.7% | 1.18 |
| Other (1%) | 2 | 91.7% | 0.5 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2008 Piaggio Vespa S 125 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 2008 Piaggio Vespa S 125 vehicles fall between 5,694 and 15,568 miles.
2008 Piaggio Vespa S 125 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 25 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (44% 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
Found a specific Piaggio Vespa S 125?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.