Fiat 500 (2020)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 7,732 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,630
£136/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
875cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1,630/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Fiat brand average of 83%.
92% of MOT tests on Fiat 500s from 2020 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 4 years old. That's based on 7,732 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 23,865 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
23,865
Average miles
29,600
Expected for age
The average 2020 Fiat 500 had 23,865 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2020 scores 92%. 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
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About the 2020 Fiat 500
The 2020 Fiat 500 is a city car. Our records list a 875cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 7,732 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 23,865 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat 500 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 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 2020 Fiat 500?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,630 (£136/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2020 Fiat 500
At 6 years old, the Fiat 500 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 7,732 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 riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2020 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(2020) | 92% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,630 |
| Ford Fiesta(2018) | 90% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,630same |
| Nissan Qashqai(2018) | 87% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 5-15 | £1,780+£150 |
| Audi A3(2018) | 92% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,630same |
| Vauxhall Mokka(2018) | 84% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,003+£373 |
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 2020 Fiat 500
Is the 2020 Fiat 500 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2020 Fiat 500s ended in a pass, from 7,732 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2020 Fiat 500 cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,630 a year (£136 a month): £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 Fiat 500?
92% of 7,732 MOT tests on the 2020 Fiat 500 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 1211th of 2,554 models first registered in 2020 (top 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 2020 Fiat 500?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2020 Fiat 500 is 23,865 miles, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Fiat Models
Explore other Fiat cars or similar models in the same category.
Fiat 500X
2016 · 1598cc Petrol
Fiat Panda
2009 · 1248cc Petrol
Fiat Punto
2007 · 1368cc Petrol
Ford Fiesta
2018 · 998cc Petrol
Nissan Qashqai
2018 · 1200cc Petrol
Audi A3
2018 · 999cc Petrol
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