Is the 2012 FIAT PUNTO reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of FIAT PUNTOs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 10,812 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2012 FIAT PUNTO cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), including £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 FIAT PUNTO?

The 2012 FIAT PUNTO has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 10,812 tests in 2026. This ranks 541 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year FIAT PUNTO is most reliable?

The 2017 FIAT PUNTO has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%. The least reliable year is 2000 at 59%.

FIAT PUNTO (2012)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2012 FIAT PUNTO?

The average mileage for a 2012 FIAT PUNTO is 77,391 miles, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 10,812 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,625

£135/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£165

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £1625/year to run. 7 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific FIAT PUNTO

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel1598cc14 years old10,812 tests77k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)

~55 mpg

£905

Road Tax

Based on 1598cc

£165

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,625

Per month£135/mo

Per week£31/wk

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 PUNTO

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.

At 14 years old, 75% of FIAT PUNTOs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 10,812 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,391 miles.

Got a FIAT PUNTO you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars541th of 685(top 79%)

Rank among FIAT models568th of 818(top 69%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average-3%(78% avg)

vs FIAT average-8%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

77,391

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 FIAT PUNTO has 77,391 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific FIAT PUNTO?

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 2017 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 59%. The 2012 sits between the two at 75%.

FIAT PUNTO by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	82%	533	36,705 mi
2017	82%	1,938	42,168 mi
2016	80%	2,771	49,988 mi
2015	78%	4,212	58,107 mi
2014	75%	6,811	66,591 mi
2013	74%	8,286	72,757 mi
2012	75%	10,812	77,391 mi
2011	73%	8,165	85,661 mi
2010	73%	9,295	90,318 mi
2009	72%	3,697	87,540 mi
2008	70%	11,118	92,805 mi
2007	69%	17,634	91,428 mi
2006	69%	11,997	91,215 mi
2005	69%	3,095	79,650 mi
2004	67%	4,412	80,375 mi
2003	65%	2,537	76,820 mi
2002	70%	1,360	72,229 mi
2001	73%	622	61,550 mi
2000	59%	291	75,865 mi
1999	70%	247	65,869 mi
1998	80%	329	71,966 mi
1997	73%	174	69,103 mi
1996	78%	147	73,333 mi
1995	75%	153	65,118 mi
1994	76%	79	69,645 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FIESTA

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,490/year

77%

+2%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,445/year

87%

+12%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£1,727/year

79%

+4%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2014 · 1199cc Diesel

£1,340/year

80%

+5%

Check a Specific Fiat Punto

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 PUNTO

The 2012 FIAT PUNTO is a small family car with a 1598cc diesel engine. 10,812 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 79% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 77,391 miles at 14 years old, FIAT PUNTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2012 FIAT PUNTO 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 PUNTO?

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 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

FIAT PUNTO Reliability Trend

Newer FIAT PUNTOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 FIAT PUNTO

At 14 years old, the FIAT PUNTO 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 82%. With 10,812 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 FIAT PUNTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 PUNTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FIAT PUNTO(2012)	75%	£905	£165	Grp 12-25	£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.