CarCostCheck

MERCEDES VITO (2012)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 8,730 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2098cc Diesel

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Diesel2098cc14 years old8,730 tests168k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2098cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2098cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,195
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 14 years old, 77% of MERCEDES VITOs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 8,730 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 168,448 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars482th of 685(top 70%)
Rank among MERCEDES models1192th of 1,408(top 85%)
vs national average-5%(82% avg)
vs 2012 cars average-1%(78% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-10%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

168,448

Average miles

vs

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 MERCEDES VITO has 168,448 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2012 sits between the two at 77%.

MERCEDES VITO by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
2024100%308,898 mi
202390%13834,230 mi
202291%50159,717 mi
202188%4,67562,567 mi
202085%5,46169,552 mi
201984%15,56494,618 mi
201885%11,705105,200 mi
201783%16,514128,006 mi
201681%12,065130,835 mi
201580%9,882140,680 mi
201479%9,119154,008 mi
201378%9,645167,479 mi
201277%8,730168,448 mi
201176%6,819168,028 mi
201076%8,085177,934 mi
200975%7,897177,659 mi
200874%8,480172,432 mi
200774%8,446172,589 mi
200673%7,080171,206 mi
200569%3,857154,561 mi
200468%1,698143,135 mi
200369%885126,821 mi
200267%740136,829 mi
200167%452123,331 mi
200070%253116,943 mi
199967%401118,559 mi
199866%494110,818 mi
199766%203105,658 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2012 MERCEDES VITO

The 2012 MERCEDES VITO is a family car with a 2098cc diesel engine. 8,730 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 168,448 miles at 14 years old, MERCEDES VITO 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 VITO Fuel Costs

The 2098cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 MERCEDES VITO?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MERCEDES VITO Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES VITOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 MERCEDES VITO

At 14 years old, the MERCEDES VITO 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 8,730 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 MERCEDES VITO'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.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger 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 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 168k 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 VITO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES VITO(2012)77%£1245£395Grp 25-38£2195
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014)87%£905£135Grp 12-25£1445-£750
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013)79%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£468
AUDI A3(2014)86%£905£135Grp 12-25£1445-£750
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)74%£905£135Grp 12-25£1595-£600

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.

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