Ford Auto Trail (2012)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 134 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,491
£208/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£410
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
2198cc Diesel
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
Check a specific Ford Auto Trail
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
84% of MOT tests on Ford Auto Trails from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 134 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 33,930 miles.
Got a Ford Auto Trail you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
33,930
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2012 Ford Auto Trail had 33,930 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Looking at a specific Ford Auto Trail?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 84%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Ford Auto Trail by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Ford Auto Trail
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 Ford Auto Trail
The 2012 Ford Auto Trail is a motorhome. Our records list a 2198cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 134 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 33,930 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Auto Trail owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2012 Ford Auto Trail Fuel Costs
The 2198cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Ford Auto Trail?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Ford Auto Trail Reliability Trend
Newer Ford Auto Trails pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2012 Ford Auto Trail
At 14 years old, the Ford Auto Trail 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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.
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 Ford Auto Trail stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Auto Trail(2012) | 84% | £1,676 | £410 | n/a | £2,491 |
| Ford Transit(2014) | 77% | £1,676 | £410 | n/a | £2,641+£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2012 Ford Auto Trail
Is the 2012 Ford Auto Trail reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2012 Ford Auto Trails ended in a pass, from 134 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2012 Ford Auto Trail cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Ford Auto Trail?
84% of 134 MOT tests on the 2012 Ford Auto Trail ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 273rd of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top half).
Which year Ford Auto Trail has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Ford Auto Trail has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2012 the lowest at 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2012 Ford Auto Trail?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Ford Auto Trail is 33,930 miles, which is significantly below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Ford Models
Explore other Ford cars or similar models in the same category.
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Ford Auto Trail.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Tax in the UK (2026): Complete Guide
10 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific Ford Auto Trail
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a Ford Auto Trail? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
With outstanding finance included