Fiat Idea (2006)
2006 Fiat Idea
CarHunch analysed 681 real MOT records for the 2006 Fiat Idea. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2006 Fiat Idea has a first-time MOT pass rate of 73.9%, which sits 6 percentage points below the UK average of 80%—a meaningful gap that suggests older examples need closer inspection. More concerning is that 38.6% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above what you'd typically see, so safety-critical systems deserve particular scrutiny before purchase.
At a median mileage of 52,335 miles for a 2006 model, these cars are running relatively lightly used, yet they average 4.11 failures and 18.1 advisories per test, pointing to age-related wear rather than abuse. Check the history carefully for recurring issues with brakes and suspension before committing—petrol and diesel versions perform similarly (74.7% vs 72.9% pass rates), so fuel type won't meaningfully improve your odds.
What to check before buying a 2006 Fiat Idea
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 38.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Fiat Idea
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (55%) | 374 | 74.7% | 4.08 |
| Diesel (45%) | 307 | 72.9% | 4.15 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2006 Fiat Idea vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2006 Fiat Idea vehicles fall between 39,850 and 67,274 miles.
2006 Fiat Idea — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 71 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (11% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2006 Fiat Idea
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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81.8%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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81.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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49.6%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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42.2%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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39.6%
Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
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37.2%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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34.8%
Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
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27.6%
Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2006. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Fiat Idea?
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