How much does a 2012 KIA OPTIMA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 KIA OPTIMA?

The 2012 KIA OPTIMA has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 1,452 tests in 2026. This ranks 578 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year KIA OPTIMA is most reliable?

The 2020 KIA OPTIMA has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%. The least reliable year is 2012 at 74%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 KIA OPTIMA?

The average mileage for a 2012 KIA OPTIMA is 100,410 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

KIA OPTIMA (2012)

Q: Is the 2012 KIA OPTIMA reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of KIA OPTIMAs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,452 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,452 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1685cc Diesel

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 8 points below average.

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

£4.99

Check a specific KIA OPTIMA

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

Diesel1685cc14 years old1,452 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1685cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1685cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/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 KIA OPTIMA

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.

At 14 years old, 74% of KIA OPTIMAs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,452 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 100,410 miles.

Got a KIA OPTIMA 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 cars578th of 685(top 84%)

Rank among KIA models390th of 472(top 83%)

vs national average-8%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average-4%(78% avg)

vs KIA average-12%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

100,410

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 KIA OPTIMA has 100,410 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific KIA OPTIMA?

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 2020 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 74%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

KIA OPTIMA by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	91%	241	57,554 mi
2019	89%	3,111	60,554 mi
2018	88%	4,827	70,738 mi
2017	87%	5,853	79,204 mi
2016	87%	2,187	78,458 mi
2015	84%	1,258	81,466 mi
2014	78%	1,178	91,247 mi
2013	80%	618	99,105 mi
2012	74%	1,452	100,410 mi
2011	76%	51	105,766 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FIESTA

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,490/year

77%

+3%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,445/year

87%

+13%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£1,727/year

79%

+5%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2014 · 1199cc Diesel

£1,340/year

80%

+6%

Check a Specific Kia Optima

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 KIA OPTIMA

The 2012 KIA OPTIMA is a family car with a 1685cc diesel engine. 1,452 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 84% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 100,410 miles at 14 years old, KIA OPTIMA owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 KIA OPTIMA Fuel Costs

The 1685cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 KIA OPTIMA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

KIA OPTIMA Reliability Trend

Newer KIA OPTIMAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 KIA OPTIMA

At 14 years old, the KIA OPTIMA 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

Based on the 2012 KIA OPTIMA'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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 100k 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 KIA OPTIMA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
KIA OPTIMA(2012)	74%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
FORD FIESTA(2013)	77%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£367
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014)	87%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1445-£412
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013)	79%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2014)	80%	£905	£30	Grp 5-15	£1340-£517

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.