Used car guide

1997 Fiat Coupe: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1997 Fiat Coupes, from 170 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 170 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

170MOT tests in 2025
62%pass first time (all 1997 cars: 67%)
3,700typical miles a year
34%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 1997 Fiat Coupe MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    34% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    28% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    24% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    21% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    18% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Tyres
    16% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2000125Suspension 30%
1999177Brakes 33%
1998263Brakes 37%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1997 Fiat Coupes registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score