Fiat 126 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 34 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,660

£138/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

652cc Petrol

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £1,660/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Petrol652cc29 years old34 tests41k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 652cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,660

Per month£138/mo

Per week£32/wk

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

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Fiat brand average of 83%.

91% of MOT tests on Fiat 126s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 34 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 40,856 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models32nd of 306(top 11%)

Rank among Fiat models255th of 788(top half)

vs average of all models+9%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+16%(75% avg)

vs Fiat average+8%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

40,856

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Fiat 126 had 40,856 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Fiat 126 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	61%	31	51,308 mi
1998	83%	42	43,548 mi
1997	91%	34	40,856 mi
1991	92%	88	30,882 mi
1990	71%	94	31,887 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Polo

1999 · 999cc Petrol

£1,960/year

75%

-16%

Nissan Micra

1997 · 998cc Petrol

£1,960/year

70%

-21%

Renault Clio

1999 · 1149cc Petrol

£2,160/year

65%

-26%

Peugeot 106

1997 · 1124cc Petrol

£1,960/year

70%

-21%

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About the 1997 Fiat 126

The 1997 Fiat 126 is a city car. Our records list a 652cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 34 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 40,856 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.

1997 Fiat 126 Fuel Costs

The modest 652cc 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 £1,175 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 1997 Fiat 126?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,660 (£138/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Buying a Used 1997 Fiat 126

At 29 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 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 1997 Fiat 126 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
Fiat 126(1997)	91%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,660
Volkswagen Polo(1999)	75%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,960+£300
Nissan Micra(1997)	70%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,960+£300
Renault Clio(1999)	65%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£2,160+£500
Peugeot 106(1997)	70%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,960+£300

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 1997 Fiat 126

Is the 1997 Fiat 126 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 1997 Fiat 126s ended in a pass, from 34 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Fiat 126 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,660 a year (£138 a month): £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Fiat 126?

91% of 34 MOT tests on the 1997 Fiat 126 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 32nd of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 11%).

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Fiat 126?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Fiat 126 is 40,856 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.