SEAT Arosa

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 9 model years from 4,172 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

74%

Total Tests

4,172

Highest Pass Rate

1998 (76%)

Years Covered

About the SEAT Arosa

The SEAT Arosa was MOT tested 4,172 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 9 model years (1997 to 2005), with an average pass rate of 74%. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 76% from 296 tests. The 1997 model has the lowest at 74%. With just a 2 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The SEAT Arosa has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 57,888 miles, while the newest (2005) averages 66,594 miles.

Compared to the SEAT brand average of 85%, the Arosa is 11 points lower, placing it among the less reliable SEAT models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 998cc)

£1,175

Road Tax

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,750

Per month£146/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2005 details

How reliable is the SEAT Arosa?

vs average of all models-8% (82% avg)

vs SEAT brand average-11% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread2 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

SEAT Arosa by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2005	71%	98	66,594 mi
2004	74%	1,092	73,523 mi
2003	75%	969	82,650 mi
2002	75%	743	82,794 mi
2001	74%	417	95,929 mi
2000	74%	214	80,798 mi
1999	76%	238	79,871 mi
1998	76%	296	68,823 mi
1997	74%	105	57,888 mi

Questions about the SEAT Arosa

Is the SEAT Arosa reliable?

Across its 9 model years in our data (1997 to 2005), the SEAT Arosa averages a 74% MOT pass rate, from 4,172 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1998 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 76%.

Which year SEAT Arosa has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 SEAT Arosa has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 74%, a 2 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.