Chevrolet Cruze (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,774 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc14 years old2,774 tests85k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

75% of MOT tests on Chevrolet Cruzes from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 2,774 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 84,522 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models516th of 650(bottom 21%)

Rank among Chevrolet models37th of 86(top half)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average-3%(78% avg)

vs Chevrolet average-1%(76% avg)

Mileage Analysis

84,522

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Chevrolet Cruze had 84,522 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2012 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Chevrolet Cruze by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	79%	809	84,569 mi
2013	76%	2,176	84,825 mi
2012	75%	2,774	84,522 mi
2011	76%	1,790	83,012 mi
2010	75%	1,134	91,464 mi
2009	72%	446	95,741 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Corsa

2014 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

76%

+1%

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

+3%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-3%

Mercedes C

2012 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,511/year

79%

+4%

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About the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a family car. Our records list a 1796cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,774 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 21% of 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 84,522 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Chevrolet Cruze owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Fuel Costs

The 1796cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Chevrolet Cruze Reliability Trend

The Chevrolet Cruze has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

At 14 years old, the Chevrolet Cruze is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 79%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 85k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Chevrolet Cruze(2012)	75%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
Vauxhall Corsa(2014)	76%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Mercedes C(2012)	79%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2012 Chevrolet Cruzes ended in a pass, from 2,774 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?

75% of 2,774 MOT tests on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 516th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom 21%).

Which year Chevrolet Cruze has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 2009 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is 84,522 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.