Fiat 500 (Type 312)

The Fiat 500 (Type 312, 2008–2015) re-established Fiat in the UK market, becoming one of the most popular city cars on British roads thanks to its charming retro styling and characterful driving experience. Insurance groups are very low—typically 1–6 for the 1.2-litre petrol—making it one of the cheapest cars to insure, which explains its enduring popularity among young drivers and urban commuters. While the 500 is undeniably charming, early cars are now seeing frequent age-related failures in the suspension, Dualogic transmission, and Blue&Me electronics that prospective buyers must investigate carefully. Fiat's reliability record is mixed; the brand ranked second from last in the 2019 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study, though the 500 scored a reasonable 92.5% in the What Car? Reliability Survey. The 1.2-litre FIRE petrol engine is fundamentally simple and durable, but the Dualogic automated manual gearbox is a well-known money pit when it fails. Running costs are very low, with cheap road tax and reasonable fuel economy of around 50mpg. For buyers who prioritise charm and low costs over outright dependability, the 500 remains an appealing proposition—provided you avoid the Dualogic.