How much does a 2001 FIAT 500 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 FIAT 500?

The 2001 FIAT 500 has a 81% MOT pass rate based on 31 tests in 2026. This ranks 75 out of 362 cars from 2001.

Which year FIAT 500 is most reliable?

The 2021 FIAT 500 has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%. The least reliable year is 2007 at 72%.

FIAT 500 (2001)

Q: Is the 2001 FIAT 500 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of FIAT 500s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 31 tests. That's 1 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2001 FIAT 500?

The average mileage for a 2001 FIAT 500 is 34,363 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 31 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4995cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol4995cc25 years old31 tests34k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4995cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 4995cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,757

Per month£230/mo

Per week£53/wk

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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 25 years old, 81% of FIAT 500s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 34,363 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 cars75th of 362(top 21%)

Rank among FIAT models476th of 818(top 58%)

vs national average-1%(82% avg)

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

vs FIAT average-2%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

34,363

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 2001 FIAT 500 has 34,363 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 2021 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2001 sits between the two at 81%.

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

£2,247/year

86%

+5%

MERCEDES CLK

2000 · 5439cc Petrol

£2,247/year

81%

same

MERCEDES ML

2003 · 4966cc Petrol

£2,397/year

74%

-7%

TVR CHIMAERA

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,247/year

88%

+7%

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About the 2001 FIAT 500

The 2001 FIAT 500 is a performance with a 4995cc petrol engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2001 cars for reliability.

With an average of 34,363 miles at 25 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2001 FIAT 500?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.

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

Based on the 2001 FIAT 500's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FIAT 500(2001)	81%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2757
MERCEDES SL(2003)	86%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510
MERCEDES CLK(2000)	81%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510
MERCEDES ML(2003)	74%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£360
TVR CHIMAERA(1999)	88%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510

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.