FIAT 500C (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,314 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,380
£115/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
875cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £1380/year to run. Close to the national 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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 83% of FIAT 500Cs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,314 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 44,058 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
44,058
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 FIAT 500C has 44,058 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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 2018 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2016 sits between the two at 83%.
FIAT 500C by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 FIAT 500C
The 2016 FIAT 500C is a city car with a 875cc petrol engine. 4,314 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 44,058 miles at 10 years old, FIAT 500C owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 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 2016 FIAT 500C?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,380 (£115/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% 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 2016 FIAT 500C
At 10 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 FIAT 500C'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 2016 FIAT 500C stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIAT 500C(2016) | 83% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1380 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390+£10 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550+£170 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390+£10 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2016) | 85% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390+£10 |
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
FORD FIESTA
2015 · 998cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2015 · 1198cc Petrol
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