RENAULT MASTER (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,326 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,195
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2199cc Diesel
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2195/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2199cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 14 years old, 78% of RENAULT MASTERs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,326 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 100,736 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
100,736
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 RENAULT MASTER has 100,736 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2012 sits between the two at 78%.
RENAULT MASTER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 152 | 28,548 mi | |
| 2020 | 83% | 318 | 71,583 mi | |
| 2019 | 85% | 1,198 | 79,215 mi | |
| 2018 | 85% | 1,210 | 95,829 mi | |
| 2017 | 85% | 1,218 | 85,063 mi | |
| 2016 | 84% | 1,418 | 118,677 mi | |
| 2015 | 80% | 1,500 | 108,076 mi | |
| 2014 | 82% | 1,113 | 98,583 mi | |
| 2013 | 81% | 1,211 | 113,599 mi | |
| 2012 | 78% | 1,326 | 100,736 mi | |
| 2011 | 74% | 1,379 | 123,849 mi | |
| 2010 | 72% | 1,512 | 121,915 mi | |
| 2009 | 72% | 1,514 | 122,599 mi | |
| 2008 | 73% | 2,245 | 120,176 mi | |
| 2007 | 75% | 2,771 | 109,564 mi | |
| 2006 | 71% | 2,550 | 110,586 mi | |
| 2005 | 71% | 1,599 | 122,732 mi | |
| 2004 | 69% | 1,245 | 140,466 mi | |
| 2003 | 65% | 818 | 135,247 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 806 | 127,816 mi | |
| 2001 | 64% | 652 | 129,800 mi | |
| 2000 | 65% | 487 | 130,392 mi | |
| 1999 | 65% | 386 | 130,912 mi | |
| 1998 | 67% | 255 | 130,342 mi | |
| 1996 | 65% | 43 | 100,360 mi | |
| 1995 | 65% | 68 | 106,550 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 RENAULT MASTER
The 2012 RENAULT MASTER is a family car with a 2199cc diesel engine. 1,326 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 100,736 miles at 14 years old, RENAULT MASTER owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 RENAULT MASTER Fuel Costs
The 2199cc 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 RENAULT MASTER?
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 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
RENAULT MASTER Reliability Trend
Newer RENAULT MASTERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 RENAULT MASTER
At 14 years old, the RENAULT MASTER 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 RENAULT MASTER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 101k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
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 RENAULT MASTER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENAULT MASTER(2012) | 78% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2195 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2012) | 80% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£618 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2013) | 85% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£618 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2014) | 77% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
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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