ABARTH 500 (2010)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,455 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1368cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1368cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the ABARTH brand average of 88%.
At 16 years old, 80% of ABARTH 500s from 2010 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,455 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,827 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
77,827
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2010 ABARTH 500 has 77,827 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 2016 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2010 sits between the two at 80%.
ABARTH 500 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2010 ABARTH 500
The 2010 ABARTH 500 is a small family car with a 1368cc petrol engine. 2,455 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2010, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 77,827 miles at 16 years old, ABARTH 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2010 ABARTH 500 Fuel Costs
The 1368cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2010 ABARTH 500?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
ABARTH 500 Reliability Trend
The ABARTH 500 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2010 ABARTH 500
At 16 years old, the ABARTH 500 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 85%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2010 ABARTH 500's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2010 ABARTH 500 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABARTH 500(2010) | 80% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2012) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| FORD FOCUS(2012) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540-£197 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Abarth Models
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2008 · 1388cc Petrol
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