FIAT 126 (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 42 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,380
£115/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
650cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £1380/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 650cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 83% of FIAT 126s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 42 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 43,548 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
43,548
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 FIAT 126 has 43,548 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1991 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1998 sits between the two at 83%.
FIAT 126 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 FIAT 126
The 1998 FIAT 126 is a city car with a 650cc petrol engine. 42 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 43,548 miles at 28 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.
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 £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 1998 FIAT 126?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,380 (£115/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 42 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 FIAT 126's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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 1998 FIAT 126 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIAT 126(1998) | 83% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1380 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2000) | 71% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£160 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1997) | 70% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£160 |
| RENAULT CLIO(1999) | 65% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1740+£360 |
| PEUGEOT 106(1997) | 70% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540+£160 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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RENAULT CLIO
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