CarCostCheck

Mercedes Viano (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,244 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2987cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2987cc14 years old1,244 tests160k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2987cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,958
Per month£247/mo
Per week£57/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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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 Vianos from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 1,244 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 160,438 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models408th of 650(bottom half)
Rank among Mercedes models1104th of 1,376(bottom 20%)
vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)
vs 2012 models average+1%(78% avg)
vs Mercedes average-8%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

160,438

Average miles

vs

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Mercedes Viano had 160,438 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 83%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2012 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes Viano by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201583%303152,306 mi
201483%1,384136,437 mi
201381%1,346143,728 mi
201279%1,244160,438 mi
201182%1,160163,358 mi
201082%797160,006 mi
200978%898170,428 mi
200878%1,044163,015 mi
200778%944156,663 mi
200674%806148,028 mi
200575%844140,309 mi
200477%578107,888 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2012 Mercedes Viano

The 2012 Mercedes Viano is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2987cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,244 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight 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 160,438 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes Viano 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 Viano Fuel Costs

The 2987cc 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 £1,958 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 Mercedes Viano?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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.

Mercedes Viano Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes Vianos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Mercedes Viano

At 14 years old, the Mercedes Viano 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 83%.

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.

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

Watch out

With an average of 160k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 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 Mercedes Viano stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Mercedes Viano(2012)79%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,958
BMW 3 Series(2014)87%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,808-£150
Vauxhall Insignia(2011)77%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,958same
BMW 1 Series(2013)84%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,808-£150
Mazda CX-5(2014)81%£1,958£445Grp 25-38£2,808-£150

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 Viano

Is the 2012 Mercedes Viano reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2012 Mercedes Vianos ended in a pass, from 1,244 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 Viano cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 Viano?

79% of 1,244 MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes Viano ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 408th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

Which year Mercedes Viano has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Mercedes Viano has the highest MOT pass rate at 83% and the 2006 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Mercedes Viano?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes Viano is 160,438 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.

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Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes Viano.

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