FIAT DOBLO CARGO (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 745 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,625
£135/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1248cc Diesel
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £1625/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1248cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 14 years old, 73% of FIAT DOBLO CARGOs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 745 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,544 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
115,544
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 FIAT DOBLO CARGO has 115,544 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 58%. The 2012 sits between the two at 73%.
FIAT DOBLO CARGO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 FIAT DOBLO CARGO
The 2012 FIAT DOBLO CARGO is a small family car with a 1248cc diesel engine. 745 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 87% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 115,544 miles at 14 years old, FIAT DOBLO CARGO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 FIAT DOBLO CARGO Fuel Costs
The 1248cc 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 DOBLO CARGO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FIAT DOBLO CARGO Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT DOBLO CARGOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 FIAT DOBLO CARGO
At 14 years old, the FIAT DOBLO CARGO 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 90%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 FIAT DOBLO CARGO'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
Watch outWith an average of 116k 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.
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 DOBLO CARGO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIAT DOBLO CARGO(2012) | 73% | £905 | £165 | Grp 8-20 | £1625 |
| FORD FIESTA(2013) | 77% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£135 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014) | 87% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£180 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£102 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2014) | 80% | £905 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1340-£285 |
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
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FIAT 500X
2016 · 1598cc Petrol
FIAT PANDA
2009 · 1248cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2013 · 1399cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2014 · 1598cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
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