FIAT 500 C (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 820 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1242cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1242cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 17 years old, 70% of FIAT 500 Cs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 820 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 76,306 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
76,306
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 FIAT 500 C has 76,306 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-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?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
FIAT 500 C by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2009 FIAT 500 C
The 2009 FIAT 500 C is a small family car with a 1242cc petrol engine. 820 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 83% of 2009 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 76,306 miles at 17 years old, FIAT 500 C owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2009 FIAT 500 C Fuel Costs
The 1242cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2009 FIAT 500 C?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FIAT 500 C Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT 500 Cs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 FIAT 500 C
At 17 years old, the FIAT 500 C 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 FIAT 500 C's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 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 2009 FIAT 500 C stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIAT 500 C(2009) | 70% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| FORD FOCUS(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540-£347 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Fiat Models
Explore other Fiat cars or similar models in the same category.
FIAT 500
2014 · 1248cc Diesel
FIAT 500X
2016 · 1598cc Petrol
FIAT PANDA
2009 · 1248cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2011 · 1596cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2011 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2008 · 1388cc Petrol
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