Fiat is an Italian car manufacturer that’s been around for more than 100 years. Their vehicles have an average annual repair cost of $538, which is slightly more than the national average across all models.
Paying for your vehicle is just the first step. Proper maintenance is the ongoing expense you’ll need to consider to keep your Fiat running smoothly. Some makes and models cost more than others to maintain.
To help you understand what to expect with your new (or new-to-you) Fiat, the car insurance
comparison shopping and broker app Jerry
has compiled everything you need to know about whether Fiats are expensive to maintain. How much maintenance does my Fiat require?
Fiat is known for sporty performance vehicles with good fuel efficiency. Most Fiat vehicles have about average reliability. You can expect your Fiat to require slightly more maintenance than most other cars.
On average, Fiats visit the repair shop only 0.2 times per year for unscheduled maintenance, according to RepairPal. Of these repairs, 17% are considered severe. That rate is quite a bit higher than the average of 12% across all brands.
Fiat looks great in comparison to BMWs, which visit the repair shop 0.9 times per year for unscheduled maintenance and cost $968 per year to maintain.
How much does maintenance for a Fiat cost?
On average, a Fiat costs about $538 per year for standard maintenance.
That’s the average figure for all Fiats. Your Fiat maintenance cost will vary depending on the specific model you own. For instance, a Fiat 500’s maintenance cost will be different than a Fiat Spider’s.
Below are the average annual maintenance costs for a few popular Fiat models.
Budget: Fiat 500X
Reliability: 2.5/5 (average)
Annual maintenance cost: $504(average)
Repair frequency: 0.3 times per year (average)
Mid-range: Fiat 500
Reliability: 3.5/5 (average)
Annual Maintenance cost: $510 (average)
Repair Frequency: 0.2 times per year (average)
Splurge: Fiat 500L
Reliability: 3.5/5 (average)
Annual maintenance cost: $646 (average)
Repair frequency: 0.2 times per year (average)
Why you should maintain your Fiat
If you value your safety (and your finances), then there are a ton of benefits to performing regular maintenance on your Fiat:
Increases your safety while driving
Saves you money by preventing expensive problems
Keeps your car performing at its best
Keeps the value of your car high
Overall, regular maintenance keeps you safe and can prevent costly (and inconvenient) breakdowns.
Key Takeaway Some Fiats cost more to maintain than others, although all Fiat owners can expect to spend slightly more than the average American to maintain their vehicles.
How often does a Fiat require maintenance?
| | |
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| Oil change, tire rotation | |
| Cabin air filter replacement, clean and lube sunroof tracks | |
| Replace spark plugs, replace engine air cleaner filter, check and adjust hand brake | |
| Change rear axle fluid or front-axle fluid | |
| Flush and replace engine coolant, replace timing belt | |
Oil changes
When: Usually required every 8,000 miles
Cost: $127 to $146, including labor and parts
Why: Important to remove excess dirt that accumulates in your engine
DIY?: Maybe—if you have the right tools
Tire replacement
When: NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced every six years, regardless of the number of miles driven
Cost: $150 to $400 per tire (not including installation cost)
Why: Worn-out tires are unsafe and can lead to hydroplaning in wet weather
DIY?: No—let a professional handle the tire replacement to ensure that your new tires are balanced for even wear
Engine replacement
When: If the engine block is cracked, damaged in a collision, or simply worn out due to high-mileage
Why: A healthy engine will help prolong the life of your Fiat
DIY?: No—take your car to a reputable mechanic for an engine replacement
Windshield replacement
When: If the crack is longer than your hand, extends to the outer edge of the windshield, or deep enough that it goes halfway into the windshield
Why: Cracks can impair your vision and make it unsafe to drive
DIY?: No—avoid attempting to install a new windshield yourself
Paint
When: Visible discoloration or paint peeling
Why: Improve your vehicle’s resale value and prevent corrosion
DIY?: Possible—you will need a safe place to apply the paint and professional painting gear
Battery
When: If you notice a slow starting engine, dim lights, or corrosion on the battery itself
Why: A healthy battery gives new life and power to your vehicle
DIY?: Yes—if you wear safety protection and are comfortable disconnecting and reconnecting cables
Bumper
When: If your vehicle’s bumper is dangling or damaged
Why: It’s unsafe to drive with an unsecured bumper
DIY: Possible—if you have the tools to properly remove and install the new gear
Brake pads
When: If you hear grinding or squealing or notice increased stoppage times
Why: Brakes keep you (and others) safe
DIY?: No—it’s more efficient to get a mechanic to replace your brake pads
Finding cheap car insurance
Your Fiat needs more than just regular trips to an auto garage. Get the right car insurance so you and your vehicle are protected from unpredictable situations.
Jerry
is the fastest, smartest way to shop around for car insurance. They specialize in unlocking discounts and the average user finds nearly $900 in annual savings. How does it work? You tell the free app which coverage you want, and it generates custom quotes from top-rated companies. Pick the best deal and Jerry does the rest. No phone calls, no paperwork, just savings on your Fiat’s premium.
Jerry
got me out of a bind! I bought a new car, and my existing insurance raised my prices and didn’t budge. Thankfully, Jerry got me an affordable rate without me waiting for phone calls all day.” ––Felicia M.