Fiat 500

Hatchback (also available as the '500C' soft-top convertible) · 2007 to present

The Fiat 500 is a compact city car that has been a fixture of the UK supermini market since its 2007 launch, reviving the styling cues of the original 1957 car in a modern retro-themed shape. It has remained in production with regular updates, offered as a three-door hatchback or as the 500C with a folding fabric roof. Early UK cars used 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines, the characteristic 0.9-litre TwinAir twin-cylinder petrol, and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel. From 2020 the range was simplified to mild hybrid petrol power alongside the fully electric 500e, which uses a different platform. Trim levels have included Pop, Lounge and Sport, plus special editions. It remains popular with UK buyers wanting an easy-to-park, characterful small car for town and short-journey use.

Body type

Hatchback (also available as the '500C' soft-top convertible)

Years (UK)

2007 to present

Typical engine

1.2-litre petrol, with 0.9-litre TwinAir and 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel options on earlier cars

Fuels available

4 options

Fuel and powertrain options

The Fiat 500 is sold in the UK with the following powertrain options across its current and recent model years:

Petrol Diesel (early models) Mild hybrid petrol Electric

Things to check at MOT

Below are common inspection items that owners and technicians often pay attention to on the Fiat 500. These align with standard DVSA MOT criteria. Every individual vehicle is different, and the MOT history of a specific car can be checked on gov.uk using its registration plate.

Check for corrosion around the rear wheel arches, sills and door bottoms, a known weak point on earlier cars
Inspect the convertible roof mechanism, seals and rear window on 500C models for leaks or wear
Listen for unusual noises from the TwinAir engine's balancer shaft and check for excessive oil consumption
Examine clutch and gearbox operation, as dual-clutch automatic versions can show hesitant or jerky changes
On the electric 500e, verify the charging port, battery warning lights and high-voltage system warnings are checked

Frequently asked questions

Is the Fiat 500 a reliable used car to buy in the UK?

Reliability can vary with age, engine choice and how the car was maintained, so always check the official DVSA MOT history on gov.uk for a specific vehicle rather than relying on general assumptions.

What MOT issues are common on the Fiat 500?

Typical points include corrosion on the sills and arches, worn suspension bushes, tyre wear from tight turning circles, and on convertible models, roof seal condition. A full DVSA history check will show any past failures.

Does the Fiat 500 have low road tax in the UK?

Vehicle tax depends on the engine, fuel type and registration date, with smaller petrol and the electric 500e often falling into lower bands. Always confirm the exact VED rate using the current gov.uk vehicle tax checker.

Can I check a Fiat 500's MOT and mileage history before buying?

Yes, you can use a free vehicle check service alongside the official DVSA MOT history site to review past test results, advisories, recorded mileage and outstanding recalls before purchase.

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