Fiat Punto (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 329 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,033

£169/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1242cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1242cc28 years old329 tests72k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1242cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,033

Per month£169/mo

Per week£39/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

80% of MOT tests on Fiat Puntos from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 329 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 71,966 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models86th of 325(top half)

Rank among Fiat models468th of 788(bottom half)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+5%(75% avg)

vs Fiat average-3%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

71,966

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Fiat Punto had 71,966 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 59%. The 1998 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-7%

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

+9%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-10%

Toyota Yaris

2000 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-10%

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About the 1998 Fiat Punto

The 1998 Fiat Punto is a small family car. Our records list a 1242cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 329 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 71,966 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 Fiat Punto?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,033 (£169/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 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%.

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.

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.

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 1998 Fiat Punto 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 Punto(1998)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£295
Vauxhall Corsa(1999)	89%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810-£223
Nissan Micra(1999)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£150
Toyota Yaris(2000)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£150

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 1998 Fiat Punto

Is the 1998 Fiat Punto reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 1998 Fiat Puntos ended in a pass, from 329 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Fiat Punto cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,033 a year (£169 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Fiat Punto?

80% of 329 MOT tests on the 1998 Fiat Punto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 86th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

Which year Fiat Punto has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Fiat Punto has the highest MOT pass rate at 82% and the 2000 the lowest at 59%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Fiat Punto?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Fiat Punto is 71,966 miles, 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.