How much does a 2012 FORD EXPLORER cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 FORD EXPLORER?

The 2012 FORD EXPLORER has a 100% MOT pass rate based on 38 tests in 2026. This ranks 8 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year FORD EXPLORER is most reliable?

The 2005 FORD EXPLORER has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%. The least reliable year is 1998 at 66%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 FORD EXPLORER?

The average mileage for a 2012 FORD EXPLORER is 84,961 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

FORD EXPLORER (2012)

Q: Is the 2012 FORD EXPLORER reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 100% of FORD EXPLORERs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 38 tests. That's 18 points above the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 38 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,607

£217/month

MOT Pass Rate

100%

Excellent

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3700cc Petrol

Great Choice

100% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 18 points above average.

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Petrol3700cc14 years old38 tests85k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3700cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 3700cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,607

Per month£217/mo

Per week£50/wk

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

100% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 18 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 14 years old, 100% of FORD EXPLORERs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 38 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 84,961 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars8th of 685(top 1%)

Rank among FORD models18th of 1,167(top 2%)

vs national average+18%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average+22%(78% avg)

vs FORD average+15%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

84,961

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 FORD EXPLORER has 84,961 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 2005 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2012 sits between the two at 100%.

FORD EXPLORER by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	88%	32	89,490 mi
2014	89%	44	97,646 mi
2013	89%	61	84,193 mi
2012	100%	38	84,961 mi
2005	89%	92	72,400 mi
2004	78%	69	77,520 mi
2003	88%	49	93,976 mi
2002	73%	33	83,397 mi
2000	73%	158	91,142 mi
1999	81%	203	114,067 mi
1998	66%	197	109,272 mi
1997	76%	98	104,130 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MERCEDES E

2010 · 3495cc Petrol

£2,247/year

80%

-20%

PORSCHE CAYENNE

2014 · 3604cc Petrol

£2,097/year

91%

-9%

PORSCHE 911

2014 · 3800cc Petrol

£2,097/year

96%

-4%

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL

2014 · 3993cc Petrol

£2,097/year

97%

-3%

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About the 2012 FORD EXPLORER

The 2012 FORD EXPLORER is a performance with a 3700cc petrol engine. 38 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 1% of all 2012 cars for reliability.

With an average of 84,961 miles at 14 years old, FORD EXPLORER owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 FORD EXPLORER Fuel Costs

The 3700cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 FORD EXPLORER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 100% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

FORD EXPLORER Reliability Trend

Newer FORD EXPLORERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 FORD EXPLORER

At 14 years old, the FORD EXPLORER 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 2005 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. Note: with only 38 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

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

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 85k 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 risk

High-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 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 FORD EXPLORER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FORD EXPLORER(2012)	100%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2607
MERCEDES E(2010)	80%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360
PORSCHE CAYENNE(2014)	91%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2097-£510
PORSCHE 911(2014)	96%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2097-£510
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL(2014)	97%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2097-£510

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.