ABARTH 500 (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,951 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Total Tests (2024)
1,951
Avg Mileage
71,565 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,572
Is the 2012 ABARTH 500 reliable?
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 12 years old, 81% of ABARTH 500s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,951 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 71,565 miles.
How does the 2012 ABARTH 500 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 ABARTH 500 has 71,565 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a ABARTH 500?
The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 2016 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2012 sits between the two at 81%.
How much does a 2012 ABARTH 500 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
ABARTH 500 by Year
Checking a specific ABARTH 500?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 ABARTH 500
The 2012 ABARTH 500 is a small family car with a 1368cc petrol engine. 1,951 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 71,565 miles at 12 years old, ABARTH 500 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 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 2012 ABARTH 500?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,572 (£131/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% 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 2012 ABARTH 500
At 12 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%.
Alternatives to the 2012 ABARTH 500
The ABARTH 500 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2014) 79% pass rate (-2%) from 224,536 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2014) 76% pass rate (-5%) from 141,747 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2013) 78% pass rate (-3%) from 132,292 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2013) 72% pass rate (-9%) from 84,989 tests