Microcar M (2018)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 38 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,780
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
505cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1,780/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Microcar brand average of 78%.
89% of MOT tests on Microcar Ms from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 38 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 17,050 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
17,050
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2018 Microcar M had 17,050 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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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Microcar M by Year
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About the 2018 Microcar M
The 2018 Microcar M is a city car. Our records list a 505cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 38 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 17,050 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Microcar M 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.
2018 Microcar M Fuel Costs
The modest 505cc 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 £1,175 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 2018 Microcar M?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,780 (£148/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2018 Microcar M
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. Note: with only 38 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.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 Microcar M 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microcar M(2018) | 89% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,780 |
| Ford Fiesta(2016) | 81% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600-£180 |
| Vauxhall Astra(2016) | 85% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600-£180 |
| Audi A3(2018) | 92% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,630-£150 |
| Peugeot 208(2016) | 83% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600-£180 |
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 2018 Microcar M
Is the 2018 Microcar M reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2018 Microcar Ms ended in a pass, from 38 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2018 Microcar M cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,780 a year (£148 a month): £1,175 fuel, £200 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 2018 Microcar M?
89% of 38 MOT tests on the 2018 Microcar M ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 397th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (bottom half).
What is the average mileage for a 2018 Microcar M?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Microcar M is 17,050 miles, which is significantly below the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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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