FIAT 500C (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,459 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
4,459
Avg Mileage
63,438 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 2012 FIAT 500C reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 12 years old, 76% of FIAT 500Cs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,459 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 63,438 miles.
How does the 2012 FIAT 500C compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 FIAT 500C has 63,438 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a FIAT 500C?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2012 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 2012 FIAT 500C cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FIAT 500C by Year
Checking a specific FIAT 500C?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 FIAT 500C
The 2012 FIAT 500C is a city car with a 875cc petrol engine. 4,459 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 76% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 63,438 miles at 12 years old, FIAT 500C owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 FIAT 500C 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 500C?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FIAT 500C Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT 500Cs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 FIAT 500C
At 12 years old, the FIAT 500C 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
Alternatives to the 2012 FIAT 500C
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2014) 79% pass rate (+3%) from 224,536 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2011) 75% pass rate (-1%) from 79,721 tests
- PEUGEOT 208 (2013) 75% pass rate (-1%) from 60,179 tests
- VAUXHALL MOKKA (2014) 78% pass rate (+2%) from 57,656 tests