DFSK LOADHOPPER (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 43 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,087
£174/month
MOT Pass Rate
58%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1310cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
58% pass rate, £2087/year to run. 24 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1310cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 24 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the DFSK brand average of 72%.
At 14 years old, 58% of DFSK LOADHOPPERs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 43 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 43,145 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
43,145
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 DFSK LOADHOPPER has 43,145 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 74% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2012 sits between the two at 58%.
DFSK LOADHOPPER by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 DFSK LOADHOPPER
The 2012 DFSK LOADHOPPER is a small family car with a 1310cc petrol engine. 43 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 43,145 miles at 14 years old, DFSK LOADHOPPER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2012 DFSK LOADHOPPER Fuel Costs
The 1310cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 DFSK LOADHOPPER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,087 (£174/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 58% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
DFSK LOADHOPPER Reliability Trend
The DFSK LOADHOPPER has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 DFSK LOADHOPPER
At 14 years old, the DFSK LOADHOPPER 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 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 74%. Note: with only 43 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 DFSK LOADHOPPER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 58% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 DFSK LOADHOPPER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DFSK LOADHOPPER(2012) | 58% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £2087 |
| FORD FIESTA(2014) | 79% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540-£547 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2014) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£365 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£260 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£260 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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