NISSAN SERENA (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 779 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1999cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2047/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1999cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 14 years old, 89% of NISSAN SERENAs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 779 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,979 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
72,979
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 NISSAN SERENA has 72,979 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2012 sits between the two at 89%.
NISSAN SERENA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 94% | 31 | 62,927 mi | |
| 2021 | 78% | 188 | 90,206 mi | |
| 2020 | 85% | 159 | 90,524 mi | |
| 2019 | 89% | 263 | 99,774 mi | |
| 2018 | 84% | 334 | 69,297 mi | |
| 2017 | 89% | 364 | 75,853 mi | |
| 2016 | 90% | 208 | 78,845 mi | |
| 2015 | 90% | 262 | 84,995 mi | |
| 2014 | 90% | 519 | 73,359 mi | |
| 2013 | 94% | 1,275 | 70,695 mi | |
| 2012 | 89% | 779 | 72,979 mi | |
| 2011 | 89% | 443 | 76,726 mi | |
| 2010 | 84% | 563 | 78,267 mi | |
| 2009 | 86% | 376 | 76,005 mi | |
| 2008 | 86% | 352 | 87,771 mi | |
| 2007 | 81% | 247 | 103,672 mi | |
| 2006 | 78% | 125 | 110,825 mi | |
| 2005 | 78% | 65 | 116,815 mi | |
| 2004 | 80% | 35 | 100,029 mi | |
| 1999 | 74% | 38 | 98,386 mi | |
| 1997 | 67% | 30 | 103,215 mi | |
| 1995 | 56% | 36 | 112,824 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 NISSAN SERENA
The 2012 NISSAN SERENA is a family car with a 1999cc petrol engine. 779 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 72,979 miles at 14 years old, NISSAN SERENA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 NISSAN SERENA Fuel Costs
The 1999cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 NISSAN SERENA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN SERENA Reliability Trend
Newer NISSAN SERENAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 NISSAN SERENA
At 14 years old, the NISSAN SERENA 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 NISSAN SERENA'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 NISSAN SERENA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN SERENA(2012) | 89% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| MERCEDES C(2012) | 79% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£30 |
| MINI MINI(2010) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
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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