FIAT 500 (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 51,956 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
51,956
Avg Mileage
68,150 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,490
Is the 2012 FIAT 500 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 12 years old, 76% of FIAT 500s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 51,956 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 68,150 miles.
How does the 2012 FIAT 500 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 FIAT 500 has 68,150 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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 2012 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 2012 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 2012 FIAT 500
The 2012 FIAT 500 is a small family car with a 1248cc diesel engine. 51,956 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 68,150 miles at 12 years old, FIAT 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 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 2012 FIAT 500?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,490 (£124/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% 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 2012 FIAT 500
At 12 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 51,956 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2012 FIAT 500
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2013) 77% pass rate (+1%) from 211,536 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2014) 87% pass rate (+11%) from 120,417 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (+3%) from 101,969 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2014) 80% pass rate (+4%) from 81,831 tests