FIAT TRIBUTE (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 66 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests (2024)
66
Avg Mileage
50,251 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 2012 FIAT TRIBUTE reliable?
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 12 years old, 73% of FIAT TRIBUTEs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 66 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 50,251 miles.
How does the 2012 FIAT TRIBUTE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 FIAT TRIBUTE has 50,251 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 TRIBUTE?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 73%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2012 FIAT TRIBUTE cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FIAT TRIBUTE by Year
Checking a specific FIAT TRIBUTE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 FIAT TRIBUTE
The 2012 FIAT TRIBUTE is a large car with a 2300cc diesel engine. 66 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 89% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 50,251 miles at 12 years old, FIAT TRIBUTE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 FIAT TRIBUTE Fuel Costs
The 2300cc 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 TRIBUTE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 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 TRIBUTE Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT TRIBUTEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 FIAT TRIBUTE
At 12 years old, the FIAT TRIBUTE 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. Note: with only 66 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2012 FIAT TRIBUTE
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2012) 80% pass rate (+7%) from 98,183 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2010) 74% pass rate (+1%) from 92,611 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2013) 85% pass rate (+12%) from 71,326 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2014) 77% pass rate (+4%) from 59,048 tests