Fiat Idea (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 155 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,944

£162/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1248cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £1,944/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Diesel1248cc21 years old155 tests78k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1248cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Fiat brand average of 83%.

70% of MOT tests on Fiat Ideas from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 155 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 78,400 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models350th of 504(bottom half)

Rank among Fiat models678th of 788(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average-2%(72% avg)

vs Fiat average-13%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

78,400

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Fiat Idea had 78,400 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2006 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 72%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2005 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Fiat Idea by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2007	68%	87	87,332 mi
2006	72%	170	86,196 mi
2005	70%	155	78,400 mi
2004	65%	245	78,204 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2007 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

+2%

Vauxhall Astra

2007 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

71%

+1%

Vauxhall Corsa

2007 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

+2%

Volkswagen Polo

2007 · 1400cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

same

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About the 2005 Fiat Idea

The 2005 Fiat Idea is a small family car. Our records list a 1248cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 155 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 78,400 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat Idea owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2005 Fiat Idea 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 2005 Fiat Idea?

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 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Fiat Idea Reliability Trend

Newer Fiat Ideas 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 2005 Fiat Idea

At 21 years old, the Fiat Idea 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 2006 model has the highest pass rate at 72%.

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.

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 2005 Fiat Idea 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 Idea(2005)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944
Ford Fiesta(2007)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Vauxhall Astra(2007)	71%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£283
Vauxhall Corsa(2007)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Volkswagen Polo(2007)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same

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 2005 Fiat Idea

Is the 2005 Fiat Idea reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2005 Fiat Ideas ended in a pass, from 155 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Fiat Idea 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 2005 Fiat Idea?

70% of 155 MOT tests on the 2005 Fiat Idea ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 350th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (bottom half).

Which year Fiat Idea has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2006 Fiat Idea has the highest MOT pass rate at 72% and the 2004 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2005 Fiat Idea?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Fiat Idea is 78,400 miles, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.