Is the 2005 FIAT IDEA reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of FIAT IDEAs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 155 tests. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2005 FIAT IDEA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), including £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 FIAT IDEA?

The 2005 FIAT IDEA has a 70% MOT pass rate based on 155 tests in 2026. This ranks 369 out of 526 cars from 2005.

Which year FIAT IDEA is most reliable?

The 2006 FIAT IDEA has the highest MOT pass rate at 72%. The least reliable year is 2004 at 65%.

FIAT IDEA (2005)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2005 FIAT IDEA?

The average mileage for a 2005 FIAT IDEA is 78,400 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 155 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,625

£135/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£165

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 8-20

1248cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £1625/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

£905

Road Tax

Based on 1248cc

£165

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,625

Per month£135/mo

Per week£31/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.

At 21 years old, 70% of FIAT IDEAs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 155 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 78,400 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 cars369th of 526(top 70%)

Rank among FIAT models706th of 818(top 86%)

vs national average-12%(82% avg)

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

vs FIAT average-13%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

78,400

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2005 FIAT IDEA has 78,400 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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?

The most reliable year is the 2006 model with a 72% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2005 sits between the two at 70%.

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

£1,490/year

72%

+2%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2007 · 1686cc Diesel

£1,727/year

71%

+1%

VAUXHALL CORSA

2007 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,490/year

72%

+2%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2007 · 1400cc Diesel

£1,490/year

70%

same

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About the 2005 FIAT IDEA

The 2005 FIAT IDEA is a small family car with a 1248cc diesel engine. 155 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 78,400 miles at 21 years old, 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 £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 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

The FIAT IDEA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

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

Based on the 2005 FIAT IDEA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FIAT IDEA(2005)	70%	£905	£165	Grp 8-20	£1625
FORD FIESTA(2007)	72%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2007)	71%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727+£102
VAUXHALL CORSA(2007)	72%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2007)	70%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.