Fiat Tipo (1994)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 41 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
1372cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
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
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 Tipos from 1994 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 30 years old. That's based on 41 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 93,631 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
93,631
Average miles
222,000
Expected for age
The average 1994 Fiat Tipo had 93,631 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-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 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2017 model has the lowest at 80%. The 1994 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Fiat Tipo by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1994 Fiat Tipo
The 1994 Fiat Tipo is a small family car. Our records list a 1372cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 41 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1994, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 93,631 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat Tipo 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.
1994 Fiat Tipo Fuel Costs
The 1372cc 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 1994 Fiat Tipo?
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 Tipo Reliability Trend
Newer Fiat Tipos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 1994 Fiat Tipo
At 32 years old, the Fiat Tipo 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 90%. Note: with only 41 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 94k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
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 1994 Fiat Tipo 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 Tipo(1994) | 80% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,033 |
| Mazda MX-5(1996) | 76% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561+£528 |
| Rover Mini(1993) | 74% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,183+£150 |
| Honda Civic(1996) | 73% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,328+£295 |
| Ford Escort(1996) | 77% | £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 1994 Fiat Tipo
Is the 1994 Fiat Tipo reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 1994 Fiat Tipos ended in a pass, from 41 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 1994 Fiat Tipo 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 1994 Fiat Tipo?
80% of 41 MOT tests on the 1994 Fiat Tipo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 76th of 204 models first registered in 1994 (top half).
Which year Fiat Tipo has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Fiat Tipo has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2017 the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1994 Fiat Tipo?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1994 Fiat Tipo is 93,631 miles, which is significantly below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Fiat Models
Explore other Fiat cars or similar models in the same category.
Fiat 500
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Fiat 500X
2016 · 1598cc Petrol
Fiat Panda
2009 · 1248cc Petrol
Mazda MX-5
1996 · 1840cc Petrol
Rover Mini
1993 · 1275cc Petrol
Honda Civic
1996 · 1590cc Petrol
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