Fiat 126 (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 42 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,810

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

650cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £1,810/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol650cc28 years old42 tests44k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 650cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,810

Per month£151/mo

Per week£35/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

83% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

83% of MOT tests on Fiat 126s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 42 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 43,548 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models66th of 325(top 21%)

Rank among Fiat models424th of 788(bottom half)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+8%(75% avg)

vs Fiat average+0%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

43,548

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Fiat 126 had 43,548 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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

2000 · 1000cc Petrol

£1,960/year

71%

-12%

Nissan Micra

1997 · 998cc Petrol

£1,960/year

70%

-13%

Renault Clio

1999 · 1149cc Petrol

£2,160/year

65%

-18%

Peugeot 106

1997 · 1124cc Petrol

£1,960/year

70%

-13%

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About the 1998 Fiat 126

The 1998 Fiat 126 is a city car. Our records list a 650cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 42 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 43,548 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.

1998 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 £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 1998 Fiat 126?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,810 (£151/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1998 Fiat 126

At 28 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 42 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 1998 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(1998)	83%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810
Volkswagen Polo(2000)	71%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,960+£150
Nissan Micra(1997)	70%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,960+£150
Renault Clio(1999)	65%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£2,160+£350
Peugeot 106(1997)	70%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,960+£150

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 1998 Fiat 126

Is the 1998 Fiat 126 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 1998 Fiat 126s ended in a pass, from 42 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Fiat 126 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,810 a year (£151 a month): £1,175 fuel, £230 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 1998 Fiat 126?

83% of 42 MOT tests on the 1998 Fiat 126 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 66th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 21%).

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Fiat 126?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Fiat 126 is 43,548 miles, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.