Yamaha Yq50 (2012)

265 real MOT outcomes analysed • 75.9% first-time pass rate

2012 Yamaha Yq50

CarHunch analysed 265 real MOT records for the 2012 Yamaha Yq50. 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

The 2012 Yamaha YQ50 has a 75.6% first-time pass rate, sitting notably below the UK average of 80%, and a worrying 32.1% of vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—this is a serious red flag for prospective buyers. The median CarhunchScore of 50 confirms this is a below-average performer overall.

At nearly 15,000 miles on average, these scooters show typical mileage for their age, but each vehicle averages 1.55 failures and 5.2 advisories per test, suggesting persistent maintenance issues across the cohort. Before purchasing one, insist on a pre-purchase inspection by a Yamaha specialist and budget for regular servicing, as this model demands closer attention than most.

We have limited data for the 2012 Yamaha Yq50 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ 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
75.9%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
32.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.55
Over 5.7 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
14k
Middle half: 10k–18k
For context

These stats describe 265 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.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 265 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 38.9%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 37.9%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Exhaust & emissions 29.3%
Exhaust noisy
Lighting 17.4%
Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam · Headlamp not working on dipped beam
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Suspension & steering 9.7%
Rear shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2012.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 265 Yamaha Yq50 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2012 Yamaha Yq50

Based on MOT data from 265 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 32.1% 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 6,041 Yamaha Yq50 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 27.8%
1,677
Black 22%
1,328
Red 15.3%
923
White 12.9%
780
Yellow 6.2%
376
Grey 5.1%
310
Silver 4.4%
266
Orange 2.9%
178
Green 2.1%
128
Multi-colour 0.6%
37
Purple 0.4%
25
Bronze 0.2%
13

Mileage Distribution

Most 2012 Yamaha Yq50 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.

13,641
typical
9,716
low mileage
18,398
high mileage

Half of all 2012 Yamaha Yq50 vehicles fall between 9,716 and 18,398 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 9,716 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.
9,716–18,398 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2012 Yamaha Yq50s sit.
Over 24,837 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2012 Yamaha Yq50 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 22% of 2012 Yamaha Yq50s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 38 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (22% of peak).

169 38 2015 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2015–2025.
* 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

5.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.55
Avg failures per vehicle
5.2
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Yamaha Yq50: All Yq50 years → Which year to buy? →
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2013

Or browse all models: Yamaha →

Compare with another model

See how the 2012 Yamaha Yq50 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing