FIAT BRAVO (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 481 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,825
£152/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £1825/year to run. 13 points below average.
Check a specific FIAT BRAVO
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1598cc
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.
Get an insurance quote for this FIAT BRAVO
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 14 years old, 69% of FIAT BRAVOs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 481 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 90,713 miles.
Got a FIAT BRAVO you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
90,713
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 FIAT BRAVO has 90,713 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific FIAT BRAVO?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 75% MOT pass rate, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2012 sits between the two at 69%.
FIAT BRAVO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Fiat Bravo
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2012 FIAT BRAVO
The 2012 FIAT BRAVO is a small family car with a 1598cc diesel engine. 481 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 95% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 90,713 miles at 14 years old, FIAT BRAVO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 FIAT BRAVO Fuel Costs
The 1598cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 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 BRAVO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,825 (£152/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FIAT BRAVO Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT BRAVOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 FIAT BRAVO
At 14 years old, the FIAT BRAVO 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 FIAT BRAVO'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.
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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 91k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% 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 FIAT BRAVO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIAT BRAVO(2012) | 69% | £905 | £165 | Grp 12-25 | £1825 |
| FORD FIESTA(2013) | 77% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£335 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014) | 87% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£380 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£98 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2014) | 80% | £905 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1340-£485 |
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.
Related Fiat Models
Explore other Fiat cars or similar models in the same category.
FIAT 500
2014 · 1248cc Diesel
FIAT 500X
2016 · 1598cc Petrol
FIAT PANDA
2009 · 1248cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2013 · 1399cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2014 · 1598cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2013 · 1700cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Fiat Bravo.
Cheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
ComparisonPetrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Reliability20 Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026: Real MOT Pass Rate Rankings
10 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific FIAT BRAVO
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a FIAT BRAVO? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data