Abarth 500 (2010)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,455 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,003
£167/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1368cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £2,003/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Abarth brand average of 88%.
80% of MOT tests on Abarth 500s from 2010 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 14 years old. That's based on 2,455 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 77,827 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
77,827
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2010 Abarth 500 had 77,827 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2016 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2010 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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. Our records list a 1368cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,455 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2010, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 77,827 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2010 Abarth 500?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,003 (£167/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 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
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abarth 500(2010) | 80% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,003 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2012) | 76% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£150 |
| Ford Focus(2012) | 78% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£225 |
| Ford Fiesta(2008) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£150 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2011) | 75% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £1,900-£103 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2010 Abarth 500
Is the 2010 Abarth 500 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2010 Abarth 500s ended in a pass, from 2,455 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2010 Abarth 500 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,003 a year (£167 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2010 Abarth 500?
80% of 2,455 MOT tests on the 2010 Abarth 500 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 239th of 558 models first registered in 2010 (top half).
Which year Abarth 500 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 Abarth 500 has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2016 the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2010 Abarth 500?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2010 Abarth 500 is 77,827 miles, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Abarth Models
Explore other Abarth cars or similar models in the same category.
Abarth 595
2018 · 1368cc Petrol
Abarth 595C
2018 · 1368cc Petrol
Abarth 124 Spider Multiair
2018 · 1368cc Petrol
Vauxhall Corsa
2012 · 1398cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2012 · 1596cc Petrol
Ford Fiesta
2008 · 1388cc Petrol
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