FIAT SEICENTO (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 625 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,875
£156/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1108cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £1875/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 1108cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 24 years old, 68% of FIAT SEICENTOs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 625 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 60,168 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
60,168
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 FIAT SEICENTO has 60,168 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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?
The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 75% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2002 sits between the two at 68%.
FIAT SEICENTO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 FIAT SEICENTO
The 2002 FIAT SEICENTO is a city car with a 1108cc petrol engine. 625 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 80% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 60,168 miles at 24 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.
2002 FIAT SEICENTO Fuel Costs
The modest 1108cc 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 2002 FIAT SEICENTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,875 (£156/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2002 FIAT SEICENTO
At 24 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 FIAT SEICENTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2002 FIAT SEICENTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIAT SEICENTO(2002) | 68% | £955 | £165 | Grp 5-15 | £1875 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£48 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£152 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£153 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922+£47 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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