Fiat 500 (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 56,821 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,794

£150/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1248cc Diesel

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £1,794/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1248cc10 years old56,821 tests45k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1248cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,794

Per month£150/mo

Per week£35/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

80% of MOT tests on Fiat 500s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 56,821 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 45,258 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models449th of 539(bottom 17%)

Rank among Fiat models459th of 788(bottom half)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average-5%(85% avg)

vs Fiat average-3%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

45,258

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Fiat 500 had 45,258 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2016 scores 80%. 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 Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+11%

Vauxhall Astra

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

79%

-1%

Ford Focus

2018 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+9%

Mercedes A-Class

2017 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,824/year

88%

+8%

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About the 2016 Fiat 500

The 2016 Fiat 500 is a small family car. Our records list a 1248cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 56,821 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 17% of 2016 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 45,258 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2016 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 £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2016 Fiat 500?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,794 (£150/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2016 Fiat 500

At 10 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 56,821 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.

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.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

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.

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 2016 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(2016)	80%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,794
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£120
Vauxhall Astra(2014)	79%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944+£150
Ford Focus(2018)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824+£30
Mercedes A-Class(2017)	88%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824+£30

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 2016 Fiat 500

Is the 2016 Fiat 500 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2016 Fiat 500s ended in a pass, from 56,821 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Fiat 500 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,794 a year (£150 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Fiat 500?

80% of 56,821 MOT tests on the 2016 Fiat 500 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 449th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom 17%).

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 2016 Fiat 500?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Fiat 500 is 45,258 miles, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.