MERCEDES VITO (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 8,730 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
8,730
Avg Mileage
168,448 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 2012 MERCEDES VITO reliable?
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 12 years old, 77% of MERCEDES VITOs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 8,730 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 168,448 miles.
How does the 2012 MERCEDES VITO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 MERCEDES VITO has 168,448 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES VITO?
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%.
How much does a 2012 MERCEDES VITO cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES VITO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 100% | 30 | 8,898 mi |
| 2023 | 90% | 138 | 34,230 mi |
| 2022 | 91% | 501 | 59,717 mi |
| 2021 | 88% | 4,675 | 62,567 mi |
| 2020 | 85% | 5,461 | 69,552 mi |
| 2019 | 84% | 15,564 | 94,618 mi |
| 2018 | 85% | 11,705 | 105,200 mi |
| 2017 | 83% | 16,514 | 128,006 mi |
| 2016 | 81% | 12,065 | 130,835 mi |
| 2015 | 80% | 9,882 | 140,680 mi |
| 2014 | 79% | 9,119 | 154,008 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 9,645 | 167,479 mi |
| 2012 | 77% | 8,730 | 168,448 mi |
| 2011 | 76% | 6,819 | 168,028 mi |
| 2010 | 76% | 8,085 | 177,934 mi |
| 2009 | 75% | 7,897 | 177,659 mi |
| 2008 | 74% | 8,480 | 172,432 mi |
| 2007 | 74% | 8,446 | 172,589 mi |
| 2006 | 73% | 7,080 | 171,206 mi |
| 2005 | 69% | 3,857 | 154,561 mi |
| 2004 | 68% | 1,698 | 143,135 mi |
| 2003 | 69% | 885 | 126,821 mi |
| 2002 | 67% | 740 | 136,829 mi |
| 2001 | 67% | 452 | 123,331 mi |
| 2000 | 70% | 253 | 116,943 mi |
| 1999 | 67% | 401 | 118,559 mi |
| 1998 | 66% | 494 | 110,818 mi |
| 1997 | 66% | 203 | 105,658 mi |
Checking a specific MERCEDES VITO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 12 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 £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 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 12 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.
Alternatives to the 2012 MERCEDES VITO
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2014) 87% pass rate (+10%) from 120,417 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (+2%) from 101,969 tests
- AUDI A3 (2014) 86% pass rate (+9%) from 77,639 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2010) 74% pass rate (-3%) from 75,715 tests