FIAT PANDA (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 10,726 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
10,726
Avg Mileage
63,247 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 2012 FIAT PANDA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 12 years old, 77% of FIAT PANDAs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 10,726 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 63,247 miles.
How does the 2012 FIAT PANDA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 FIAT PANDA has 63,247 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a FIAT PANDA?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2012 sits between the two at 77%.
How much does a 2012 FIAT PANDA cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FIAT PANDA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 127 | 20,407 mi |
| 2020 | 94% | 2,120 | 20,195 mi |
| 2019 | 88% | 3,819 | 25,239 mi |
| 2018 | 87% | 4,058 | 30,276 mi |
| 2017 | 85% | 5,451 | 35,891 mi |
| 2016 | 83% | 7,605 | 42,126 mi |
| 2015 | 81% | 12,616 | 49,867 mi |
| 2014 | 80% | 12,902 | 56,982 mi |
| 2013 | 79% | 12,679 | 62,830 mi |
| 2012 | 77% | 10,726 | 63,247 mi |
| 2011 | 73% | 9,358 | 67,269 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 15,920 | 71,228 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 17,759 | 73,003 mi |
| 2008 | 70% | 8,825 | 78,699 mi |
| 2007 | 69% | 9,427 | 81,587 mi |
| 2006 | 67% | 7,416 | 83,111 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 5,600 | 83,662 mi |
| 2004 | 66% | 4,917 | 81,345 mi |
| 2003 | 70% | 135 | 81,432 mi |
| 1995 | 61% | 33 | 49,142 mi |
| 1994 | 72% | 92 | 62,450 mi |
| 1993 | 71% | 170 | 68,567 mi |
| 1992 | 73% | 150 | 63,541 mi |
| 1991 | 71% | 111 | 71,698 mi |
| 1990 | 72% | 130 | 67,835 mi |
Checking a specific FIAT PANDA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 FIAT PANDA
The 2012 FIAT PANDA is a city car with a 875cc petrol engine. 10,726 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 63,247 miles at 12 years old, FIAT PANDA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 FIAT PANDA Fuel Costs
The modest 875cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 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 FIAT PANDA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FIAT PANDA Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT PANDAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 FIAT PANDA
At 12 years old, the FIAT PANDA 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 94%. With 10,726 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2012 FIAT PANDA
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2014) 79% pass rate (+2%) from 224,536 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2011) 75% pass rate (-2%) from 79,721 tests
- PEUGEOT 208 (2013) 75% pass rate (-2%) from 60,179 tests
- VAUXHALL MOKKA (2014) 78% pass rate (+1%) from 57,656 tests