FIAT AUTO TRAIL (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 827 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,895
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2287cc Diesel
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £1895/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2287cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 14 years old, 90% of FIAT AUTO TRAILs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 827 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 32,554 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
32,554
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 FIAT AUTO TRAIL has 32,554 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 2020 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 90%. The 2012 sits between the two at 90%.
FIAT AUTO TRAIL by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 94% | 594 | 9,452 mi | |
| 2020 | 96% | 968 | 11,804 mi | |
| 2019 | 95% | 2,414 | 13,636 mi | |
| 2018 | 95% | 2,572 | 16,870 mi | |
| 2017 | 95% | 2,170 | 19,419 mi | |
| 2016 | 94% | 2,243 | 22,559 mi | |
| 2015 | 93% | 1,906 | 24,922 mi | |
| 2014 | 90% | 1,100 | 29,040 mi | |
| 2013 | 92% | 1,117 | 29,560 mi | |
| 2012 | 90% | 827 | 32,554 mi | |
| 2011 | 90% | 218 | 35,939 mi | |
| 2010 | 97% | 38 | 39,494 mi | |
| 2007 | 71% | 41 | 54,210 mi | |
| 2006 | 74% | 43 | 62,588 mi | |
| 2005 | 60% | 35 | 51,542 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 FIAT AUTO TRAIL
The 2012 FIAT AUTO TRAIL is a large car with a 2287cc diesel engine. 827 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 17% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 32,554 miles at 14 years old, FIAT AUTO TRAIL 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 FIAT AUTO TRAIL Fuel Costs
The 2287cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2012 FIAT AUTO TRAIL?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,895 (£158/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
FIAT AUTO TRAIL Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT AUTO TRAILs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 FIAT AUTO TRAIL
At 14 years old, the FIAT AUTO TRAIL 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 FIAT AUTO TRAIL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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.
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 FIAT AUTO TRAIL stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIAT AUTO TRAIL(2012) | 90% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £1895 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2012) | 80% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£318 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010) | 74% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£168 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2013) | 85% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£318 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2014) | 77% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050+£155 |
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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