FIAT 500 C (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,530 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,530
£128/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
875cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £1530/year to run. 5 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 875cc
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 close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 14 years old, 77% of FIAT 500 Cs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,530 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 67,489 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
67,489
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 FIAT 500 C has 67,489 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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%. The 2012 sits between the two at 77%.
FIAT 500 C by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 FIAT 500 C
The 2012 FIAT 500 C is a city car with a 875cc petrol engine. 1,530 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight 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 67,489 miles at 14 years old, FIAT 500 C owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 FIAT 500 C 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 £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 FIAT 500 C?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,530 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 2012 FIAT 500 C
At 14 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 81%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 FIAT 500 C's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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 2012 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(2012) | 77% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1530 |
| FORD FIESTA(2014) | 79% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540+£10 |
| PEUGEOT 208(2013) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
| VAUXHALL MOKKA(2014) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£192 |
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
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PEUGEOT 208
2013 · 999cc Petrol
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