Fiat Idea (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 170 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,944

£162/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1248cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £1,944/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

£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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Fiat brand average of 83%.

72% of MOT tests on Fiat Ideas from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 170 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 86,196 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models346th of 554(bottom half)

Rank among Fiat models633rd of 788(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

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

vs Fiat average-11%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,196

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Fiat Idea had 86,196 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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

£1,944/year

72%

same

Vauxhall Astra

2008 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

same

Vauxhall Corsa

2007 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

same

Volkswagen Polo

2008 · 1400cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

-2%

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About the 2006 Fiat Idea

The 2006 Fiat Idea is a small family car. Our records list a 1248cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 170 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 86,196 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £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 2006 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 72% 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 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

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.

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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Fiat Idea(2006)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944
Ford Fiesta(2007)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Vauxhall Astra(2008)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Vauxhall Corsa(2007)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Volkswagen Polo(2008)	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 2006 Fiat Idea

Is the 2006 Fiat Idea reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2006 Fiat Ideas ended in a pass, from 170 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 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 2006 Fiat Idea?

72% of 170 MOT tests on the 2006 Fiat Idea ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 346th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (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 2006 Fiat Idea?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Fiat Idea is 86,196 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.