Fiat 500 (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 31 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4995cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4995cc25 years old31 tests34k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4995cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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

81% 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.

81% of MOT tests on Fiat 500s from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 31 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 34,363 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models70th of 350(top 20%)

Rank among Fiat models457th of 788(bottom half)

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

vs 2001 models average+8%(73% avg)

vs Fiat average-2%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

34,363

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Fiat 500 had 34,363 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2001 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Fiat 500 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	195	18,379 mi
2020	92%	7,732	23,865 mi
2019	90%	31,868	27,173 mi
2018	86%	40,756	33,498 mi
2017	83%	39,899	40,199 mi
2016	80%	56,821	45,258 mi
2015	78%	69,392	51,933 mi
2014	78%	73,839	58,446 mi
2013	78%	63,361	63,074 mi
2012	76%	51,956	68,150 mi
2011	75%	36,701	72,823 mi
2010	73%	39,852	77,223 mi
2009	72%	38,991	82,820 mi
2008	72%	23,228	86,722 mi
2007	72%	241	89,332 mi
2001	81%	31	34,363 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes SL

2003 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+5%

Mercedes CLK

2000 · 5439cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

same

Mercedes ML

2003 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,303/year

74%

-7%

TVR Chimaera

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

+7%

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About the 2001 Fiat 500

The 2001 Fiat 500 is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4995cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 31 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2001 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 34,363 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat 500 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.

2001 Fiat 500 Fuel Costs

The 4995cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 2001 Fiat 500?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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.

Fiat 500 Reliability Trend

Newer Fiat 500s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2001 Fiat 500

At 25 years old, the Fiat 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. Note: with only 31 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 25 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 2001 Fiat 500 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 500(2001)	81%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Mercedes SL(2003)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Mercedes CLK(2000)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£415
Mercedes ML(2003)	74%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
TVR Chimaera(1999)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£415

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 2001 Fiat 500

Is the 2001 Fiat 500 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2001 Fiat 500s ended in a pass, from 31 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 Fiat 500 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2001 Fiat 500?

81% of 31 MOT tests on the 2001 Fiat 500 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 70th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top 20%).

Which year Fiat 500 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Fiat 500 has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2007 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 Fiat 500?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Fiat 500 is 34,363 miles, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.