2001 Fiat Seicento: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Fiat Seicento?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Fiat Seicento than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Braking performance2.4× usual
  Fiat Seicento

  18.1% All 2001 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.6%, against 3.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Headlight aim2.7× usual
  Fiat Seicento

  15.1% All 2001 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 15.1%, against 5.5% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

• Coil springs1.9× usual
  Fiat Seicento

  18.4% All 2001 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Brakes pulling to one side2.5× usual
  Fiat Seicento

  6.3% All 2001 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1.9% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2001 Fiat Seicento MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Fiat Seicento MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  43% 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.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Fiat Seicento

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2001 Fiat Seicento as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2001 Fiat Seicento as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2001 Fiat Seicento as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?