Mazda 2 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 15,653 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,153

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1349cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,153/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol1349cc14 years old15,653 tests71k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1349cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,153

Per month£179/mo

Per week£41/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

76% of MOT tests on Mazda 2s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 15,653 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 71,124 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models483rd of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Mazda models278th of 459(bottom half)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average-2%(78% avg)

vs Mazda average-5%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

71,124

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Mazda 2 had 71,124 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2012 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mazda 2 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	97%	30	25,674 mi
2019	92%	12,113	27,997 mi
2018	91%	12,473	35,410 mi
2017	90%	11,574	42,686 mi
2016	87%	15,776	51,000 mi
2015	85%	15,877	57,096 mi
2014	79%	14,202	60,500 mi
2013	77%	14,893	67,601 mi
2012	76%	15,653	71,124 mi
2011	74%	18,883	77,682 mi
2010	72%	22,897	86,346 mi
2009	71%	22,733	91,854 mi
2008	70%	14,817	97,282 mi
2007	72%	4,816	90,403 mi
2006	73%	2,297	83,579 mi
2005	71%	1,957	86,126 mi
2004	71%	1,546	89,679 mi
2003	75%	646	91,192 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2014 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

79%

+3%

Vauxhall Corsa

2014 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

76%

same

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

+2%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-4%

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About the 2012 Mazda 2

The 2012 Mazda 2 is a small family car. Our records list a 1349cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 15,653 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 71,124 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda 2 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Mazda 2 Fuel Costs

The 1349cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 Mazda 2?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,153 (£179/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mazda 2 Reliability Trend

Newer Mazda 2s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Mazda 2

At 14 years old, the Mazda 2 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 15,653 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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.

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 Mazda 2 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
Mazda 2(2012)	76%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153
Ford Fiesta(2014)	79%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750-£403
Vauxhall Corsa(2014)	76%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153same
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£75
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£75

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 Mazda 2

Is the 2012 Mazda 2 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 2012 Mazda 2s ended in a pass, from 15,653 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Mazda 2 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,153 a year (£179 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Mazda 2?

76% of 15,653 MOT tests on the 2012 Mazda 2 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 483rd of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

Which year Mazda 2 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Mazda 2 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2008 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Mazda 2?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Mazda 2 is 71,124 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.