FIAT PUNTO (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 329 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Total Tests (2024)
329
Avg Mileage
71,966 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,572
Is the 1998 FIAT PUNTO reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 80% of FIAT PUNTOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 329 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 71,966 miles.
How does the 1998 FIAT PUNTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 FIAT PUNTO has 71,966 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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 1998 sits between the two at 80%.
How much does a 1998 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 1998 FIAT PUNTO
The 1998 FIAT PUNTO is a small family car with a 1242cc petrol engine. 329 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 71,966 miles at 26 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.
1998 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 1998 FIAT PUNTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,572 (£131/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 1998 FIAT PUNTO
At 26 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 1998 FIAT PUNTO
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-7%) from 8,535 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+9%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-10%) from 6,792 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2000) 70% pass rate (-10%) from 6,496 tests