FIAT 500 L (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 776 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,530
£128/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
875cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £1530/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 875cc
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 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 15 years old, 74% of FIAT 500 Ls from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 776 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,326 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,326
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 FIAT 500 L has 69,326 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2011 sits between the two at 74%.
FIAT 500 L by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2011 FIAT 500 L
The 2011 FIAT 500 L is a city car with a 875cc petrol engine. 776 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 78% of 2011 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 69,326 miles at 15 years old, FIAT 500 L owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2011 FIAT 500 L 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 2011 FIAT 500 L?
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 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FIAT 500 L Reliability Trend
The FIAT 500 L has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2011 FIAT 500 L
At 15 years old, the FIAT 500 L 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 76%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2011 FIAT 500 L'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 2011 FIAT 500 L stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIAT 500 L(2011) | 74% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1530 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540+£10 |
| PEUGEOT 208(2013) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
| PEUGEOT 207(2010) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£192 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2013) | 84% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572+£42 |
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
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FIAT 500X
2016 · 1598cc Petrol
FIAT PANDA
2009 · 1248cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2011 · 1198cc Petrol
PEUGEOT 208
2013 · 999cc Petrol
PEUGEOT 207
2010 · 1360cc Petrol
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