Are Fiats Expensive to Maintain?

Fiats are slightly more costly to maintain than other cars—but not by much! Here’s what you need to know about Fiat maintenance costs.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
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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
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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. 
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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?

Mileage
Service
Average cost
Every 8,000 miles
Oil change, tire rotation
$127 to $146
Every 16,000 miles
Cabin air filter replacement, clean and lube sunroof tracks
$180 to $187
Every 32,000 miles
Replace spark plugs, replace engine air cleaner filter, check and adjust hand brake
$233 to $270
Every 48,000 miles
Change rear axle fluid or front-axle fluid
$126
Every 152,000 miles
Flush and replace engine coolant, replace timing belt
$692 to $807

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
  • Cost: $6,500
  • 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
  • Cost: $350
  • 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
  • Cost: $1,200 to $2,000
  • 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
  • Cost: $45 to $250 
  • 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
  • Cost: $885 to $1,389
  • 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
  • Cost: $180 to $244
  • 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.
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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.
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