Fiat 500L (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,821 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,944

£162/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1300cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £1,944/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1300cc10 years old2,821 tests54k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1300cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,944

Per month£162/mo

Per week£37/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Fiat brand average of 83%.

79% of MOT tests on Fiat 500Ls from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 2,821 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 54,453 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models475th of 539(bottom 13%)

Rank among Fiat models479th of 788(bottom half)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average-6%(85% avg)

vs Fiat average-4%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

54,453

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Fiat 500L had 54,453 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2016 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Fiat 500L by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	79%	184	16,840 mi
2020	88%	121	22,275 mi
2019	88%	236	32,075 mi
2018	82%	990	37,592 mi
2017	79%	1,485	49,065 mi
2016	79%	2,821	54,453 mi
2015	78%	5,308	63,339 mi
2014	77%	12,472	76,146 mi
2013	76%	7,593	78,703 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+12%

Vauxhall Astra

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

79%

same

Ford Focus

2018 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+10%

Mercedes A-Class

2017 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,824/year

88%

+9%

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About the 2016 Fiat 500L

The 2016 Fiat 500L is a small family car. Our records list a 1300cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,821 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 13% of 2016 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 54,453 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat 500L owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2016 Fiat 500L Fuel Costs

The 1300cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2016 Fiat 500L?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,944 (£162/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Fiat 500L Reliability Trend

Newer Fiat 500Ls pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2016 Fiat 500L

At 10 years old, the Fiat 500L 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

What the 2016 Fiat 500L Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 547 MOT tests on the 2016 Fiat 500L that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Lights and electrics33%
Same age: 30%
Suspension30%
Same age: 29%
Steering25%
Same age: 6.5% (fails on this more often)
Tyres20%
Same age: 26% (fails on this less often)

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Fiat 500L reliability, common problems and years to avoid

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 500L stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Fiat 500L(2016)	79%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£270
Vauxhall Astra(2014)	79%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944same
Ford Focus(2018)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£120
Mercedes A-Class(2017)	88%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£120

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2016 Fiat 500L

Is the 2016 Fiat 500L reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2016 Fiat 500Ls ended in a pass, from 2,821 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Fiat 500L cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,944 a year (£162 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Fiat 500L?

79% of 2,821 MOT tests on the 2016 Fiat 500L ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 475th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom 13%).

Which year Fiat 500L has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Fiat 500L has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2013 the lowest at 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 Fiat 500L?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Fiat 500L is 54,453 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.