Fiat 500 (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 36,701 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,750

£146/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

875cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £1,750/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol875cc15 years old36,701 tests73k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 875cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,750

Per month£146/mo

Per week£34/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Fiat brand average of 83%.

75% of MOT tests on Fiat 500s from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 36,701 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 72,823 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models417th of 595(bottom half)

Rank among Fiat models544th of 788(bottom half)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average-2%(77% avg)

vs Fiat average-8%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

72,823

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 Fiat 500 had 72,823 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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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 2011 scores 75%. 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

Volkswagen Polo

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,900/year

75%

same

Peugeot 208

2013 · 999cc Petrol

£1,750/year

75%

same

Peugeot 207

2010 · 1360cc Petrol

£2,153/year

70%

-5%

Toyota Yaris

2013 · 1330cc Petrol

£2,003/year

84%

+9%

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About the 2011 Fiat 500

The 2011 Fiat 500 is a city car. Our records list a 875cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 36,701 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 72,823 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,175 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 2011 Fiat 500?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,750 (£146/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £20 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 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 2011 Fiat 500

At 15 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.

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.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

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 2011 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(2011)	75%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750
Volkswagen Polo(2011)	75%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900+£150
Peugeot 208(2013)	75%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750same
Peugeot 207(2010)	70%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£403
Toyota Yaris(2013)	84%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,003+£253

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 2011 Fiat 500

Is the 2011 Fiat 500 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2011 Fiat 500s ended in a pass, from 36,701 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 Fiat 500 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,750 a year (£146 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Fiat 500?

75% of 36,701 MOT tests on the 2011 Fiat 500 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 417th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (bottom half).

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 2011 Fiat 500?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Fiat 500 is 72,823 miles, 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.