Fiat 500L (2018)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 990 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,824

£152/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1248cc Diesel

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £1,824/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1248cc8 years old990 tests38k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1248cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,824

Per month£152/mo

Per week£35/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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

82% of MOT tests on Fiat 500Ls from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 990 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 37,592 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2018 models552nd of 607(bottom 10%)

Rank among Fiat models432nd of 788(bottom half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2018 models average-7%(89% avg)

vs Fiat average-1%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

37,592

Average miles

44,400

Expected for age

The average 2018 Fiat 500L had 37,592 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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 2018 scores 82%. 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%

+9%

Ford Focus

2019 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+7%

Mercedes A

2019 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+9%

Mercedes A-Class

2017 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,824/year

88%

+6%

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About the 2018 Fiat 500L

The 2018 Fiat 500L is a small family car. Our records list a 1248cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 990 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 10% of 2018 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 37,592 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat 500L owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2018 Fiat 500L Fuel Costs

The 1248cc 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 2018 Fiat 500L?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,824 (£152/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 2018 Fiat 500L

At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

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.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

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 2018 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(2018)	82%	£1,219	£200	Grp 8-20	£1,824
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£150
Ford Focus(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824same
Mercedes A(2019)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£150
Mercedes A-Class(2017)	88%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824same

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 2018 Fiat 500L

Is the 2018 Fiat 500L reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2018 Fiat 500Ls ended in a pass, from 990 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2018 Fiat 500L cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,824 a year (£152 a month): £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 Fiat 500L?

82% of 990 MOT tests on the 2018 Fiat 500L ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 552nd of 607 models first registered in 2018 (bottom 10%).

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 2018 Fiat 500L?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Fiat 500L is 37,592 miles, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.