FIAT SEICENTO (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 118 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
118
Avg Mileage
54,569 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 1998 FIAT SEICENTO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 26 years old, 75% of FIAT SEICENTOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 118 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 54,569 miles.
How does the 1998 FIAT SEICENTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 FIAT SEICENTO has 54,569 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.
How much does a 1998 FIAT SEICENTO 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 SEICENTO by Year
Checking a specific FIAT SEICENTO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 FIAT SEICENTO
The 1998 FIAT SEICENTO is a city car with a 899cc petrol engine. 118 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 54,569 miles at 26 years old, FIAT SEICENTO 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 SEICENTO Fuel Costs
The modest 899cc 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 1998 FIAT SEICENTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FIAT SEICENTO Reliability Trend
The FIAT SEICENTO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 FIAT SEICENTO
At 26 years old, the FIAT SEICENTO 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.
Alternatives to the 1998 FIAT SEICENTO
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+14%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-5%) from 6,792 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2000) 70% pass rate (-5%) from 6,496 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1999) 67% pass rate (-8%) from 4,854 tests