Fiat Barchetta (2004)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 39 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,361
£197/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£325
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1747cc Petrol
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
85% of MOT tests on Fiat Barchettas from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 39 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 54,538 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
54,538
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2004 Fiat Barchetta had 54,538 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2004 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Fiat Barchetta by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 Fiat Barchetta
The 2004 Fiat Barchetta is a family car. Our records list a 1747cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 39 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 16% of all 2004 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 54,538 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat Barchetta owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2004 Fiat Barchetta Fuel Costs
The 1747cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2004 Fiat Barchetta?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Fiat Barchetta Reliability Trend
The Fiat Barchetta has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 Fiat Barchetta
At 22 years old, the Fiat Barchetta 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 80%. Note: with only 39 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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 2004 Fiat Barchetta 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 Barchetta(2004) | 85% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361 |
| Ford Focus(2006) | 73% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£133 |
| MINI(2005) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£133 |
| BMW 3 Series(2006) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361same |
| Honda Jazz(2006) | 71% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£208 |
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 2004 Fiat Barchetta
Is the 2004 Fiat Barchetta reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2004 Fiat Barchettas ended in a pass, from 39 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2004 Fiat Barchetta cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2004 Fiat Barchetta?
85% of 39 MOT tests on the 2004 Fiat Barchetta ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 73rd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top 16%).
Which year Fiat Barchetta has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Fiat Barchetta has the highest MOT pass rate at 80% and the 2000 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2004 Fiat Barchetta?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Fiat Barchetta is 54,538 miles, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Fiat Models
Explore other Fiat cars or similar models in the same category.
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Ford Focus
2006 · 1596cc Petrol
MINI
2005 · 1598cc Petrol
BMW 3 Series
2006 · 1796cc Petrol
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