PROTON GEN-2 (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 38 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
58%
Total Tests (2024)
38
Avg Mileage
71,891 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 2012 PROTON GEN-2 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 24 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the PROTON brand average of 70%.
At 12 years old, 58% of PROTON GEN-2s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 38 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 71,891 miles.
How does the 2012 PROTON GEN-2 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 PROTON GEN-2 has 71,891 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a PROTON GEN-2?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2012 sits between the two at 58%.
How much does a 2012 PROTON GEN-2 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
PROTON GEN-2 by Year
Checking a specific PROTON GEN-2?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 PROTON GEN-2
The 2012 PROTON GEN-2 is a small family car with a 1332cc petrol engine. 38 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 100% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 71,891 miles at 12 years old, PROTON GEN-2 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 PROTON GEN-2 Fuel Costs
The 1332cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 PROTON GEN-2?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,922 (£160/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 58% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
PROTON GEN-2 Reliability Trend
Newer PROTON GEN-2s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 PROTON GEN-2
At 12 years old, the PROTON GEN-2 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 76%. Note: with only 38 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2012 PROTON GEN-2
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2014) 79% pass rate (+21%) from 224,536 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2014) 76% pass rate (+18%) from 141,747 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2013) 78% pass rate (+20%) from 132,292 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2013) 72% pass rate (+14%) from 84,989 tests