FIAT PUNTO (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 147 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
147
Avg Mileage
73,333 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,722
Is the 1996 FIAT PUNTO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 28 years old, 78% of FIAT PUNTOs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 147 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,333 miles.
How does the 1996 FIAT PUNTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 FIAT PUNTO has 73,333 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a FIAT PUNTO?
The most reliable year is the 2017 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 59%. The 1996 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 1996 FIAT PUNTO 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 PUNTO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 82% | 533 | 36,705 mi |
| 2017 | 82% | 1,938 | 42,168 mi |
| 2016 | 80% | 2,771 | 49,988 mi |
| 2015 | 78% | 4,212 | 58,107 mi |
| 2014 | 75% | 6,811 | 66,591 mi |
| 2013 | 74% | 8,286 | 72,757 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 10,812 | 77,391 mi |
| 2011 | 73% | 8,165 | 85,661 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 9,295 | 90,318 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 3,697 | 87,540 mi |
| 2008 | 70% | 11,118 | 92,805 mi |
| 2007 | 69% | 17,634 | 91,428 mi |
| 2006 | 69% | 11,997 | 91,215 mi |
| 2005 | 69% | 3,095 | 79,650 mi |
| 2004 | 67% | 4,412 | 80,375 mi |
| 2003 | 65% | 2,537 | 76,820 mi |
| 2002 | 70% | 1,360 | 72,229 mi |
| 2001 | 73% | 622 | 61,550 mi |
| 2000 | 59% | 291 | 75,865 mi |
| 1999 | 70% | 247 | 65,869 mi |
| 1998 | 80% | 329 | 71,966 mi |
| 1997 | 73% | 174 | 69,103 mi |
| 1996 | 78% | 147 | 73,333 mi |
| 1995 | 75% | 153 | 65,118 mi |
| 1994 | 76% | 79 | 69,645 mi |
Checking a specific FIAT PUNTO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 FIAT PUNTO
The 1996 FIAT PUNTO is a small family car with a 1242cc petrol engine. 147 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 73,333 miles at 28 years old, FIAT PUNTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1996 FIAT PUNTO Fuel Costs
The 1242cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1996 FIAT PUNTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,722 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FIAT PUNTO Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT PUNTOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 FIAT PUNTO
At 28 years old, the FIAT PUNTO 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 82%.
Alternatives to the 1996 FIAT PUNTO
The FIAT PUNTO is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1998) 75% pass rate (-3%) from 8,017 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1998) 69% pass rate (-9%) from 4,351 tests
- TOYOTA STARLET (1998) 75% pass rate (-3%) from 3,819 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (1998) 73% pass rate (-5%) from 3,450 tests