How Long Do Fiat 500 Last – Everything You Need to Know
Fiat 500 is a reliable car with retro styling and is loved by many US citizens for its reliable performance. Sporty handling, good gas mileage, and affordability are the other features that make it worth the price. However, if you are planning to buy this car, the first question that might pop up in your mind is, “how long do Fiat 500 last.”
According to Fiat, the Fiat 500 runs up to 200,000 miles. The manufacturer is confident about the mileage because they did a rigorous test to ensure the mileage. However, a few Fiat 500 owners claimed that they didn’t experience trouble reaching 150,000 miles.
This comprehensive guide focuses on the performance and reliability of the Fiat 500. Continue scrolling down to learn more.
- How Long Do Fiat 500 Last?
- How Many Miles Can a Fiat 500 Last
- Does Fiat 500 Rust Easily?
- Fiat 500 Comparison with Similar Cars
- How Reliable Are Fiat 500?
- Fiat 500 Model Years
- Best Year for Fiat 500
- Best Year for Used Fiat 500
- Fiat 500 Years to Avoid
- About Fiat 500 Recalls
- Fiat 500 Common Problems
- Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Fiat 500
- How Long Do the Brakes Last?
- How Long Do the Tires Last?
- How Long Do Fiat 500 Engines Last?
- How Long Do Fiat 500 Batteries Last?
- How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
- FAQs
- Final Words
How Long Do Fiat 500 Last?
Many factors play a vital role when the question comes to how long do Fiat 500 last. The minimum life expectancy of a Fiat 500 is 13 years and 200k miles. This is quite standard for most compact cars.
You will get the minimum years and miles performance when the best care is taken. Additionally, when you ensure proper care, the longevity will expand to 16+ years and 250k miles.
Fiat 500 lifespan will reduce if you don’t
- Maintain regular maintenance
- Routine oil changes
- Use premium-quality parts
- Drive smoothly
- Rotate tire when necessary
Personal Care, usage, and luck play a significant role in the performance of the Fiat 500.
How Many Miles Can a Fiat 500 Last
Fiat 500 is a reliable little vehicle well-known for delivering dependable service for many years.
The lifespan of a Fiat 500 depends on the owner. It will last 200k – 250k miles without showing a major problem with proper care.
More importantly, many models of Fiat 500 don’t show any transmission or other problems even after running 100,000 miles.
The longevity of this vehicle will be even clearer when you decide to buy used Fiat 500 models. Most Fiat 500 models are listed for sale with more than 150,000 miles on the odometer on different used car-selling websites.
However, within this mileage, Fiat 500 shows a few minor problems in the interior, like issues in the door handle, breakage in the armrest, etc. The chassis and drivetrain are quite robust and solid.
Also Read: How Long Do Smart Cars Last – Answered 16 Important FAQs
Does Fiat 500 Rust Easily?
Consumers of Fiat 500 didn’t claim on rust issue. Moreover, Fiat 500 is not known to rust easily. It is because the manufacturer built it following standard rustproofing technology like underbody corrosion protection and E-coat. These features combine and keep the vehicles rust-proof.
But, you will rarely find a vehicle without rust issues. The good news is that rust in Fiat 500 is not so common. By following the below tips, you can easily keep your Fiat 500 models free from rust.
- Wash and dry your car regularly and thoroughly
- If any scratches or paint damage is found, repair them immediately
- Park your Fiat 500 in the garage, out of bird droppings and harsh weather
- Make sure to wax your vehicle thoroughly twice a year
- To keep your Fiat 500 rust proof for several years, consider a rust proofing treatment
You will love to know that the manufacturer offers 50,000 miles or 5 years of Anti-Corrosion Perforation Warranty.
Fiat 500 Comparison with Similar Cars
Many people consider that similar cars, Mazda MX 5 Miata, Toyota Yaris, etc., are far better than Fiat 500.
We will be looking at the comparison between Fiat 500 and other similar cars.
Fiat 500 vs Mini Cooper
First, we will compare the Fiat 500 vs Mini Cooper. Both are reliable in their performance.
| Factor | Fiat 500 | Mini Cooper |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 1.4L MultiAir® Turbo 4-cylinder | 1.5L Twinpower Turbo inline 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower (HP) | 160 | 134 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 183 | 162 |
| U-connect 3 | Available | Unavailable |
| Digital Cluster Display | Available | Unavailable |
| Starting Price | $16,495 MSRP | $23,400 MSRP |
Features
Fiat 500 has a few unique features which are unavailable in Mini Cooper. Standard U Connect system is a voice-activated information technology that helps a user navigate from GPS to Bluetooth to Hands-free calling control through a 5” touchscreen.
Performance
The performance difference between the 2 similar cars is drastic. With a 1.4L MultiAir® Turbo 4-cylinder with 160 HP and 183 lb.-ft., the Fiat 500 delivers good performance on different terrains. While the Mini Cooper is equipped with a 134-hp 1.5L Twinpower Turbo inline 3-cylinder, it might feel underpowered than Fiat 500
Source: RepairPal
Fiat 500 vs Smart ForTwo
The prime difference between Fiat 500 and ForTwo is their design. Smart ForTwo is a 2-seater and rear-engine microcar, more compact than the Fiat 500.
| Factor | Fiat 500 | Smart ForTwo |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 1.0L Inline-3 Gas |
| Fuel Economy | City: 28 MPG Hwy: 33 MPG | City: 31 MPG Hwy: 39 MPG |
| Seating Capacity | 4 seater | 2 seater |
| Horsepower | 135 HP @ 5500 rpm | 89 HP @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 150 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm | 100 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm |
| Curb-weight | 2,366 lbs. | 2050 lbs. |
Maintenance Cost
The maintenance cost of Smart ForTwo is pretty expensive compared to Fiat. You will have to pay $751 per year for Smart ForTwo, while Fiat will cost you $522 for maintenance purposes.
Safety
Fiat 500 has multiple safety features to keep the driver and passengers safe. In fact, it is designed with safety in mind. Smart ForTwo also has active safety features like wonderful breaking and steering equipment.
Fiat 500 vs Honda Fit
In the USA, Honda Fit is one of the best-selling cars. It has decent handling and legendary reliability. On the other hand, the Fiat 500 is also popular for its reliable performance.
| Factor | Fiat 500 | Honda Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 1.5L Inline-4 Gas |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.5 | 10.6 |
| Fuel Economy | City: 28 MPG Hwy: 33 MPG | City: 29 MPG Hwy: 36 MPG |
| Seating Capacity | 4 seater | 5 seater |
| Horsepower | 135 HP @ 5500 rpm | 130 HP @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 150 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm | 114 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm |
Life Expectancy
Honda Fit’s lifespan is 17 – 20 years or 250,000 – 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. Meanwhile, the Fiat 500 lasts up to 200,000 – 250,000 miles or more than 16 years. It means Honda Fit outlives Fiat 500 when comparing their life expectancy.
Fuel Economy
Fiat 500 has less fuel economy than Honda Fit on city and highway. This means it saves valuable money.
Fiat 500 vs Mazda MX 5 Miata
Mazda MX 5 Miata is an impressively compact and reliable car than Fiat 500. Moreover, this vehicle is long-lasting too.
| Factor | Fiat 500 | Mazda MX 5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 1242 cc | 1496 cc |
| Torque | 102 NM | 152 NM |
| Power | 69 HP | 130 HP |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 2 |
| Rear Seat Belts | Yes | No |
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol Engine, 4 Cylinder 8 Valve | 1.5L Petrol Engine, In-Line 4 Cylinder 16 Valve DOHC |
Seating Capacity
When discussing seating capacity, Fiat 500 is the complete winner with 4 seater option. While Mazda MX 5 Miata has only a 2 seater option. As a result, if you want to enjoy driving with your family and friends, Fiat 500 would be an ideal choice.
Consistency
Fiat 500 has a lack of consistency with Mazda MX 5 Miata. The maximum mileage of the Fiat 500 is 250,000 miles when proper maintenance is ensured. On the flip side, Mazda MX 5 Miata easily delivers 200,000 miles of service without showing any minor problems.
Fiat 500 vs. Toyota Yaris
Hopefully, the below comparison chart will help you decide which one to buy, Fiat 500 vs. Toyota Yaris.
| Factor | Fiat 500 | Toyota Yaris |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 1.5L Inline-4 Gas |
| Fuel Economy | City: 28 MPG Hwy: 33 MPG | City: 32 MPG Hwy: 40 MPG |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.5 gallons | 11.6 gallons |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 135 HP @ 5500 rpm | 106 HP @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 150 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm | 103 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
Design
The Toyota Yaris consists of powerful 1.5L Inline-4 Gas, giving the user the ability to run the vehicle easily on different terrains. Fiat 500 has 1.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas under the hood.
Fuel Economy
The Fiat 500’s fuel economy will surely satisfy you with 28 MPG and 33 MPG for city and highway. In the case of the Toyota Yaris, the fuel economy is 32 MPG in the city and on the highway 40 MPG.
How Reliable Are Fiat 500?
According to Consumer Reports, Fiat 500 is a reliable car and doesn’t show any sort of issues throughout its life expectancy.
It is equipped with a wide range of safety features and has user-friendly systems. With these systems, you will get a quality experience for a long time.
Let’s look at a few data points of the Fiat 500 reliability:
- Fiat 500 received a 3.5/5 reliability rating from RepairPal. Also, it ranks 18 out of 21 other compact cars.
- Kelley Blue Book gave a 4.6 rating out of 5; this shows that consumers are much happy with the Fiat 500’s performance.
Fiat 500 Model Years
Till now, the first generation of Fiat 500 has been launched in the market. The model years of the Fiat 500 are,
- 2012 Fiat 500
- 2013 Fiat 500
- 2014 Fiat 500
- 2015 Fiat 500
- 2016 Fiat 500
- 2017 Fiat 500
- 2018 Fiat 500
- 2019 Fiat 500
Best Year for Fiat 500
The 2018 and 2019 model years are the best years for Fiat 500.
No problems were reported in these 2 model years, according to the CarComplaint website. Moreover, consumers gave good ratings for both model years.
All 2018 Fiat 500 models are manufactured with a turbocharged engine, delivering excellent performance in different road conditions.
Furthermore, a backup camera gives you good visibility to avoid parking difficulties. Additionally, you will get extreme stability on the road due to the 16-inch wide wheel.
Besides, it has fog lights in the front, helping you ride safely in foggy conditions.
In addition, sport-tuned suspension and a performance braking system conveniently lets you drive the vehicle.
Best Year for Used Fiat 500
2015 is the best year for used Fiat 500. It comes with a playful design, eye-catching color options, outstanding fuel economy, excellent durability and an attractive price point.
Here are a few reasons you should buy the 2015 model of the used Fiat 500.
- Attractive Price: Before buying a used Fiat 500, you need to consider the insurance and maintenance cost. Impressively, the used 2015 model of Fiat 500 has low maintenance and insurance cost compared to other model years. At the same time, the depreciation rate is also slow, making it a good choice.
- Multiple Safety Features: Buying a used Fiat 500 means the chance of having fewer upgraded features is high. The good news is that the 2015 Fiat 500 model has all the latest safety features to ensure a safe ride. Fiat 500 2015 model has driver and passenger airbags, stability control, child seat anchors, and airbags in the driver’s knee/ front head curtain/ rear head curtain and front side.
- Reliability: Many people avoid buying used Fiat 500. But the 2015 Fiat 500 model offers a more reliable performance on the road than other model years. If you are looking for a used Fiat 500 model, go with the 2015 model year without hesitation.
Fiat 500 Years to Avoid
The Fiat 500 has had both good and worst years. It would be a good decision to avoid the worst years.
According to the CarComplaint website, the 2012 Fiat 500 model year is the worst because it shows several problems before hitting minimum mileage. Also, repair costs are high for these problems. Moreover, this model received the highest number of complaints, a total of 45.
The 2012 model year is the first Fiat 500 car in the USA and showed several problems, which are:
- Electric problems
- Issues in transmission
- Complications in clutch
Interior accessories and equipment showed the most common problem in Fiat 500 2012 model.
In addition, the 2013 model has a problem with turbos, and the leaking issue is also there.
That is why we recommend you avoid the 2012 and 2013 models of Fiat 500.
About Fiat 500 Recalls
Fiat 500 model started its journey in 2012. Find the below chart to know the recall number of Fiat 500 model years.
| Model Years | Recalls Number |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 45 (Worst Year) |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 0 (Best Year) |
| 2019 | 0 (Best Year) |
The Fiat 500 has had 20 recall campaigns since it launched in 2012.
If you wonder how to know the recalls about your used Fiat 500, the best option is to visit the NHTSA recall database.
Enter your vehicle’s model year and check the recall status. Thus, making a decision will be much easier.
It is important to know that recalls are manufacturing issues, and repairing can be done without cost.
Find the total number of recall campaigns for every Fiat 500 model year:
- 2012: 4
- 2013: 4
- 2014: 3
- 2015: 3
- 2016: 3
- 2017: 1
- 2018: 1
- 2019: 1
Fiat 500 Common Problems
Similar to everything, a few models of Fiat 500 showed some common problems. Find the common issues of Fiat 500 from the discussion below.
Oil in Engine
Leak in the engine oil into the cooling system is quite common in Fiat 500. When oil leaks, the engine will get overheated, which will damage the engine performance.
Generally, Fiat 500’s best performance is ensured when you drive it on city roads. This vehicle is not designed to be used for an extended period since the engine will contaminate due to fuel. As a result, some parts will damage quickly.
Power Issues
This fault is found in the 2014 and 2015 Fiat 500 models. Engine faced power issues when climbing hills. Don’t think that it is bad luck. The truth is, the software has a problem with this year’s models.
Wiring Issue Under the Steering
Premature wear and tear are quite common in the wiring under the steering of Fiat 500 models. Due to this issue, electrical failure may happen when on the road.
Loss in the Power Steering
During the trial drive of the Fiat 500, peel off the car park and ensure that you are able to drive through some nice slow reverse tactics.
If you experience sticky or jerky steering wheel action, there is probably a fault in your power steering motor. In this case, you must visit a service department without being late.
Curbed Alloys
Consider checking the curbed wheels when driving your Fiat 500 in the urban city. Fiat 500 wheels may get damaged due to the collisions and scrapes of concrete.
Generally, you will find it in the left-hand side front panels. Gradually, other wheels start showing problems.
In such situations, you must ensure regular maintenance of the Fiat 500.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Fiat 500
Here are a few tips to prolong the life of your Fiat 500.
- Smooth driving is the first key to expanding your Fiat 500’s lifespan
- Ensure factory-recommended maintenance
- Use premium quality fuels and parts
- Regular repairs will prevent developing small problems to larger
- Frequently check your coolant, level of transmission fluids, engine oil and brake
- Store your Fiat 500 in a garage to protect the vehicle from different elements
- Read the owner’s manual intently and learn what your Fiat 500 requires
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
The brake pads lifespan of the Fiat 500 is 25,000 – 30,000 miles. However, it may vary depending on the driving conditions and styles.
- Your brake pads can start wear and tear if you accelerate the brake in rush-hour traffic and brake too often
- If you completely stop the vehicle from a high speed. It is the number#1 reason for premature brake pad wear
- Faster breakdown of the brake pads can’t be avoided if your driving style is sporty
How Long Do the Tires Last?
The lifespan of Fiat 500 tires is 2 – 3 years or 20k – 40k miles. However, much sooner wear out may happen based on driving style, terrain conditions and climate. To ensure long-lasting performance, follow the below tips,
- Rotate Fiat 500 tires every 5,000 miles. This will ensure even wear and tear
- Right tire pressure is significantly essential. So, check the pressure and ensure the correct tire pressure every time
- Check the wheel alignment every 6 months by a professional mechanic
How Long Do Fiat 500 Engines Last?
Fiat 500 engines last 200,000 – 250,000 miles, but you have to ensure regular maintenance. Also, you can follow the below points,
- Drive your Fiat 500 gently for the first 1 or 2 miles
- Stop the engine for 30 – 60 seconds after starting it. Thus oil can easily be heated up and flow through the engine.
How Long Do Fiat 500 Batteries Last?
The life expectancy of a Fiat 500 battery is 3 – 5 years. Battery type, driving style, and climate significantly impact battery health. The below tips will help you extend Fiat 500 battery life,
- Fasten the battery tightly in its position. The connections may loosen due to the car vibration, causing a short circuit
- The battery can be charged fully if you go for a short ride. It would be best to prevent short rides
- Park your Fiat 500 in a place where extreme temperature can’t impact the battery’s health
- Using a toothbrush, use a baking soda and water mixture and apply it to the terminals. This will prevent corrosion.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
Replace your Fiat 500 spark plugs every 32,000 miles. It is manufacturer-recommended mileage and needs to be done without fail. A foul spark plug will show the below signs.
- Reduction in the gas mileage
- Rough idling
- Difficult starts
- Misfiring in the engine
- Lace of acceleration
If you experience the above signs in your spark plugs, don’t be late to replace them.
FAQs
No, maintaining a Fiat 500 is relatively affordable, but it is not the cheapest.
As per the RepairPal report, the yearly average repairing cost of a Fiat 500 is $522. This cost is slightly higher than other compact cars’ maintenance costs.
The high mileage for a Fiat 500 is 100,000 miles. Although a Fiat 500 delivers 200,000 – 250,000 miles after 100,000 miles, parts of this vehicle model start wearing. Also, the replacement of different parts becomes mandatory.
The insurance cost of the Fiat 500 is less than other compact cars. For a Fiat 500, full comprehensive coverage is $1,140/year or roughly $95/month. Fiat 500’s rivals’ average insurance cost is $1410/year or $270/month.
A Fiat 500 key fob lifespan relies on a small battery. A key fob will last 3 – 4 years when the battery is replaced on time.
If you prefer reliability, appearance and style, Fiat 500 will be an ideal choice for sure. It doesn’t come with a hefty price tag and has a question mark on its performance.
Final Words
Hopefully, after reading this comprehensive guide on how long do Fiat 500 last, you are now clear about Fiat’s performance. When this vehicle model arrived on the market, there were some flaws in the performance. Over time, it starts upgrading and delivering reliable performance.
In recent times, Fiat 500 is one of the dependable compact cars with different safety options, good features, a powerful engine, etc. Even used Fiat 500 models are also delivering dependable performance. Before making a final buying decision, go for a test drive and decide on your preferable Fiat 500 model.
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Thanks for also talking about the insurance that could also be a factor when it comes to buying a FIAT car. I’d like to know more about how to find a good FIAT car dealer soon because I plan to move to a different city soon. I think that living on my own would be a lot more convenient if I have my own vehicle to use.
We will try to cover it soon.