Fiat Cinquecento
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 6 model years from 916 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests
916
Highest Pass Rate
1996 (79%)
Years Covered
6
About the Fiat Cinquecento
The Fiat Cinquecento was MOT tested 916 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 6 model years (1993 to 1998), with an average pass rate of 74%. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 79% from 194 tests. The 1998 model has the lowest at 73%. The 6 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
The Fiat Cinquecento has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1993) averages 59,643 miles, while the newest (1998) averages 72,912 miles.
Compared to the Fiat brand average of 83%, the Cinquecento is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Fiat models.
Estimated Running Costs
Higher due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 1998 detailsHow reliable is the Fiat Cinquecento?
Fiat Cinquecento by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Fiat Cinquecento
Is the Fiat Cinquecento reliable?
Across its 6 model years in our data (1993 to 1998), the Fiat Cinquecento averages a 74% MOT pass rate, from 916 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1996 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 79%.
Which year Fiat Cinquecento has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 Fiat Cinquecento has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 73%, a 6 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Fiat Cinquecentos more reliable?
The Fiat Cinquecento has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
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