FIAT PANDA (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,058 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Total Tests (2024)
4,058
Avg Mileage
30,276 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,550
Is the 2018 FIAT PANDA reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 6 years old, 87% of FIAT PANDAs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,058 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 30,276 miles.
How does the 2018 FIAT PANDA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 FIAT PANDA has 30,276 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a FIAT PANDA?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2018 sits between the two at 87%.
How much does a 2018 FIAT PANDA cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FIAT PANDA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 127 | 20,407 mi |
| 2020 | 94% | 2,120 | 20,195 mi |
| 2019 | 88% | 3,819 | 25,239 mi |
| 2018 | 87% | 4,058 | 30,276 mi |
| 2017 | 85% | 5,451 | 35,891 mi |
| 2016 | 83% | 7,605 | 42,126 mi |
| 2015 | 81% | 12,616 | 49,867 mi |
| 2014 | 80% | 12,902 | 56,982 mi |
| 2013 | 79% | 12,679 | 62,830 mi |
| 2012 | 77% | 10,726 | 63,247 mi |
| 2011 | 73% | 9,358 | 67,269 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 15,920 | 71,228 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 17,759 | 73,003 mi |
| 2008 | 70% | 8,825 | 78,699 mi |
| 2007 | 69% | 9,427 | 81,587 mi |
| 2006 | 67% | 7,416 | 83,111 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 5,600 | 83,662 mi |
| 2004 | 66% | 4,917 | 81,345 mi |
| 2003 | 70% | 135 | 81,432 mi |
| 1995 | 61% | 33 | 49,142 mi |
| 1994 | 72% | 92 | 62,450 mi |
| 1993 | 71% | 170 | 68,567 mi |
| 1992 | 73% | 150 | 63,541 mi |
| 1991 | 71% | 111 | 71,698 mi |
| 1990 | 72% | 130 | 67,835 mi |
Checking a specific FIAT PANDA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2018 FIAT PANDA
The 2018 FIAT PANDA is a city car with a 875cc petrol engine. 4,058 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 30,276 miles at 6 years old, FIAT PANDA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 FIAT PANDA Fuel Costs
The modest 875cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 FIAT PANDA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,550 (£129/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FIAT PANDA Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT PANDAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 FIAT PANDA
At 6 years old, the FIAT PANDA offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Alternatives to the 2018 FIAT PANDA
The FIAT PANDA is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2016) 81% pass rate (-6%) from 205,128 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-1%) from 100,176 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2016) 85% pass rate (-2%) from 92,988 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2016) 84% pass rate (-3%) from 92,860 tests