FIAT 126 (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 88 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
88
Avg Mileage
30,882 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,240
Is the 1991 FIAT 126 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 33 years old, 92% of FIAT 126s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 88 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 30,882 miles.
How does the 1991 FIAT 126 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 FIAT 126 has 30,882 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 1991 FIAT 126 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.
FIAT 126 by Year
Checking a specific FIAT 126?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 FIAT 126
The 1991 FIAT 126 is a city car with a 650cc petrol engine. 88 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 1991 cars for reliability.
With an average of 30,882 miles at 33 years old, FIAT 126 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1991 FIAT 126 Fuel Costs
The modest 650cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 FIAT 126?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,240 (£103/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 1991 FIAT 126
At 33 years old, the FIAT 126 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. Note: with only 88 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1991 FIAT 126
The FIAT 126 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- ROVER MINI (1990) 80% pass rate (-12%) from 2,886 tests
- NISSAN FIGARO (1991) 79% pass rate (-13%) from 1,029 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1991) 84% pass rate (-8%) from 854 tests
- CITROEN 2CV (1990) 76% pass rate (-16%) from 499 tests