Is the 2008 FIAT 500 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of FIAT 500s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 23,228 tests. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2008 FIAT 500 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), including £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 FIAT 500?

The 2008 FIAT 500 has a 72% MOT pass rate based on 23,228 tests in 2026. This ranks 390 out of 589 cars from 2008.

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 (2008)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2008 FIAT 500?

The average mileage for a 2008 FIAT 500 is 86,722 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 23,228 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,625

£135/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£165

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 8-20

1248cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £1625/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel1248cc18 years old23,228 tests87k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1248cc)

~55 mpg

£905

Road Tax

Based on 1248cc

£165

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,625

Per month£135/mo

Per week£31/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.

At 18 years old, 72% of FIAT 500s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 23,228 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,722 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars390th of 589(top 66%)

Rank among FIAT models643th of 818(top 79%)

vs national average-10%(82% avg)

vs 2008 cars average-1%(73% avg)

vs FIAT average-11%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,722

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 FIAT 500 has 86,722 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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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 2008 sits between the two at 72%.

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

FORD FIESTA

2009 · 1398cc Diesel

£1,490/year

72%

same

VAUXHALL CORSA

2009 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,490/year

73%

+1%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

74%

+2%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2008 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,490/year

72%

same

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About the 2008 FIAT 500

The 2008 FIAT 500 is a small family car with a 1248cc diesel engine. 23,228 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 86,722 miles at 18 years old, FIAT 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 FIAT 500 Fuel Costs

The 1248cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2008 FIAT 500?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% 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 2008 FIAT 500

At 18 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%. With 23,228 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 FIAT 500's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 87k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

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 2008 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(2008)	72%	£905	£165	Grp 8-20	£1625
FORD FIESTA(2009)	72%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135
VAUXHALL CORSA(2009)	73%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)	74%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£30
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2008)	72%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135

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.