Fiat

Fiat 126 (1982)

358 real MOT outcomes analysed

1982 Fiat 126

CarHunch has 358 1982 Fiat 126 vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

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Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 358 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

No MOT data available for this vehicle type

The 1982 Fiat 126 doesn't appear in DVLA light-vehicle MOT records — it may be exempt, registered as a different vehicle class, or an import not subject to UK MOT testing. We don't have reliability stats for this specific model, but you can browse other Fiat vehicles below.

Browse all Fiat models →
No MOT data — worth knowing

Got a specific Fiat 126 you're checking out?

The real detail is in the individual vehicle report — MOT history, AI Hunches, mileage timeline, and defect patterns for that specific reg.

UK

**Important note:** There is no MOT test data available for the 1982 Fiat 126 in the DVLA light-vehicle database, so the pass rates and defect statistics shown here should not be relied upon for a reliability verdict. The Fiat 126 was a tiny, rear-engined city car produced from 1972 to 2000, and surviving examples from 1982 are now over 40 years old and extremely rare in the UK; most remaining vehicles are likely to be cherished classics or hobby projects rather than regular road cars. If you're considering one, focus on documented service history, the condition of the bodywork (rust is the enemy of old Fiats), and whether it has been properly maintained through the decades rather than MOT statistics. Have any potential purchase inspected by a specialist in classic or vintage Fiats, as finding replacement parts and competent repair expertise is increasingly difficult.

MOT statistics not available

We have 358 1982 Fiat 126 vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

There are a few reasons this can happen:

  • Heavy commercial vehicle — trucks, buses and coaches over 3.5 tonnes are tested under the DVSA annual HGV/PSV regime, which uses a separate database not included in our data source
  • Imported vehicles — vehicles registered abroad and recently brought to the UK may have no UK MOT history yet
  • MOT-exempt — vehicles manufactured before 1986 qualify under the 40-year rolling exemption; some specialist and agricultural vehicles are also exempt
  • Never used on public roads — some vehicles are registered but kept off-road and have never required an MOT
Check on the official DVSA service →

What tends to go wrong

Across 358 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Suspension & steering 27.7%
Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play · Nearside Front Axle king pin has slight play in pin and/or bush · Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Other issues 26.2%
Oil leak
Wipers & washers 23.1%
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
Brake wear 21.5%
Brakes imbalanced across an axle · Service brake: efficiency below requirements · Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Lighting 12.3%
Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working · Nearside Headlamp aim too high · Offside Front Front position lamp(s) not working · …
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982.

Before you buy a 1982 Fiat 126

Based on MOT data from 358 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 1.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 31,717 Fiat 126 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 29.5%
9,368
White 17.4%
5,533
Blue 16.8%
5,333
Yellow 16.2%
5,145
Green 8.9%
2,832
Turquoise 3.7%
1,169
Beige 3.6%
1,131
Black 1.5%
482
Orange 0.8%
243
Brown 0.7%
235
Grey 0.4%
135
Cream 0.3%
111
Other model years — Fiat 126: All 126 years → Which year to buy? →
1980 1981 1983 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991

Or browse all models: Fiat →

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Compare with another model

See how the 1982 Fiat 126 stacks up against a rival.