FIAT 500 (2011)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 36,701 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
36,701
Avg Mileage
72,823 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 2011 FIAT 500 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 13 years old, 75% of FIAT 500s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 36,701 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,823 miles.
How does the 2011 FIAT 500 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2011 FIAT 500 has 72,823 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a FIAT 500?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2011 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 2011 FIAT 500 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific FIAT 500?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2011 FIAT 500
The 2011 FIAT 500 is a city car with a 875cc petrol engine. 36,701 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 72,823 miles at 13 years old, FIAT 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2011 FIAT 500 Fuel Costs
The modest 875cc 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 2011 FIAT 500?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% 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 2011 FIAT 500
At 13 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 36,701 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2011 FIAT 500
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2011) 75% pass rate (same) from 79,721 tests
- PEUGEOT 208 (2013) 75% pass rate (same) from 60,179 tests
- PEUGEOT 207 (2010) 70% pass rate (-5%) from 50,375 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2013) 84% pass rate (+9%) from 46,724 tests