Mercedes Traveliner (2012)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 56 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,641
£220/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£410
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2148cc Diesel
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.
79% of MOT tests on Mercedes Traveliners from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 56 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 254,402 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
254,402
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2012 Mercedes Traveliner had 254,402 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Mercedes Traveliner by Year
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About the 2012 Mercedes Traveliner
The 2012 Mercedes Traveliner is a premium car. Our records list a 2148cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 56 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 254,402 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes Traveliner owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2012 Mercedes Traveliner Fuel Costs
The 2148cc 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 Mercedes Traveliner?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2012 Mercedes Traveliner
At 14 years old, the Mercedes Traveliner 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 56 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 254k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 Traveliner 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes Traveliner(2012) | 79% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 25-38 | £2,641 |
| Vauxhall Astra(2013) | 79% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227-£414 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2012) | 80% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,077-£564 |
| BMW 3 Series(2013) | 85% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,077-£564 |
| Vauxhall Zafira(2013) | 78% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227-£414 |
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 Mercedes Traveliner
Is the 2012 Mercedes Traveliner reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2012 Mercedes Traveliners ended in a pass, from 56 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2012 Mercedes Traveliner cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 Mercedes Traveliner?
79% of 56 MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes Traveliner ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 416th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).
What is the average mileage for a 2012 Mercedes Traveliner?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes Traveliner is 254,402 miles, which is well above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Related Mercedes Models
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