MERCEDES B 180 (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 51 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,657
£138/month
MOT Pass Rate
98%
Excellent
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1600cc Petrol
Great Choice
98% pass rate, £1657/year to run. 16 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1600cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 16 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 14 years old, 98% of MERCEDES B 180s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 51 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 37,463 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
37,463
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 MERCEDES B 180 has 37,463 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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About the 2012 MERCEDES B 180
The 2012 MERCEDES B 180 is a small family car with a 1600cc petrol engine. 51 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 3% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 37,463 miles at 14 years old, MERCEDES B 180 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 MERCEDES B 180 Fuel Costs
The 1600cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 MERCEDES B 180?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,657 (£138/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 98% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2012 MERCEDES B 180
At 14 years old, the MERCEDES B 180 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 51 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 MERCEDES B 180's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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.
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 MERCEDES B 180 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES B 180(2012) | 98% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1657 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2014) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£65 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£170 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£170 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540-£117 |
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.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
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MERCEDES C
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
VAUXHALL CORSA
2014 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2013 · 1600cc Petrol
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