Piaggio Vespa (2018)
2018 Piaggio Vespa
CarHunch analysed 1,498 real MOT records for the 2018 Piaggio Vespa. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2018 Piaggio Vespa is a genuinely reliable scooter, with a 94.7% first-time pass rate that sits well above the 80% UK average—and dangerous defects show up in fewer than 1 in 10 vehicles, so safety concerns aren't a major red flag here. These Vespas are running at relatively low mileage for their age (median 4,076 miles), which suggests light use and gentle treatment across the fleet.
When failures do occur, they're minor—averaging just 0.28 per vehicle—but advisories are more common at 0.8 per scooter, typically pointing to wear items like lights, cables, or brake pads rather than structural issues. If you're buying one, check the service history and budget for routine consumables, but you're looking at a model that holds up well to MOT testing.
What to check before buying a 2018 Piaggio Vespa
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
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2018 Piaggio Vespa 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 2018 Piaggio Vespa vehicles fall between 2,009 and 7,879 miles.
2018 Piaggio Vespa — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 1,080 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 89% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2018 Piaggio Vespa
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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25.7%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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24.3%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION
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13.4%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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12.9%
Front Wheel bearing has slight play
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9.8%
Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
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7%
Exhaust noisy
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6.2%
Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy
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5.2%
Rear Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2018. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Piaggio Vespa?
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