Is the 2006 FIAT IDEA reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of FIAT IDEAs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 170 tests. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2006 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 2006 FIAT IDEA?

The 2006 FIAT IDEA has a 72% MOT pass rate based on 170 tests in 2026. This ranks 360 out of 575 cars from 2006.

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 (2006)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2006 FIAT IDEA?

The average mileage for a 2006 FIAT IDEA is 86,196 miles, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 170 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,625

£135/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£165

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 8-20

1248cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £1625/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel1248cc20 years old170 tests86k 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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.

At 20 years old, 72% of FIAT IDEAs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 170 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,196 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 cars360th of 575(top 63%)

Rank among FIAT models658th of 818(top 80%)

vs national average-10%(82% avg)

vs 2006 cars average-1%(73% avg)

vs FIAT average-11%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,196

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2006 FIAT IDEA has 86,196 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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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%

same

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2008 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,490/year

72%

same

VAUXHALL CORSA

2007 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,490/year

72%

same

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2008 · 1400cc Diesel

£1,490/year

70%

-2%

Check a Specific Fiat Idea

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About the 2006 FIAT IDEA

The 2006 FIAT IDEA is a small family car with a 1248cc diesel engine. 170 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 86,196 miles at 20 years old, FIAT IDEA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2006 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 2006 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 72% 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 2006 FIAT IDEA

At 20 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2006 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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 86k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

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 2006 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(2006)	72%	£905	£165	Grp 8-20	£1625
FORD FIESTA(2007)	72%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2008)	72%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135
VAUXHALL CORSA(2007)	72%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2008)	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.