Piaggio Vespa S 50 (2008)
2008 Piaggio Vespa S 50
CarHunch analysed 135 real MOT records for the 2008 Piaggio Vespa S 50. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2008 Piaggio Vespa S 50 is a below-average performer in MOT testing, with a first-time pass rate of 59.7% compared to the UK average of 80%. While dangerous defects are relatively uncommon at 11.8%, the low pass rate signals these scooters face real reliability challenges that buyers should expect.
At just over 9,000 miles on average, these Vespas are lightly used, yet they still accumulate 1.15 failures and 2.4 advisories per vehicle on test—suggesting age-related wear is catching up regardless of mileage. Before buying, have a trusted mechanic inspect the ignition electrics, fuel system, and brakes, as these are typical problem areas on older two-stroke scooters that don't see regular work.
What to check before buying a 2008 Piaggio Vespa S 50
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 50
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 133 | 59.8% | 1.17 |
| Other (1%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
| Diesel (1%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2008 Piaggio Vespa S 50 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 50 vehicles fall between 4,073 and 12,245 miles.
2008 Piaggio Vespa S 50 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 22 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (33% 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 50?
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