RENAULT TRAFIC (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 9,250 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
9,250
Avg Mileage
140,116 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 12 years old, 70% of RENAULT TRAFICs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 9,250 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 140,116 miles.
How does the 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC has 140,116 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 RENAULT TRAFIC?
The most reliable year is the 2002 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1991 model has the lowest at 59%. The 2012 sits between the two at 70%.
How much does a 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC 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.
RENAULT TRAFIC by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 95% | 41 | 45,342 mi |
| 2020 | 82% | 201 | 70,208 mi |
| 2019 | 81% | 12,056 | 70,463 mi |
| 2018 | 79% | 13,004 | 83,333 mi |
| 2017 | 77% | 17,196 | 93,614 mi |
| 2016 | 75% | 23,776 | 101,544 mi |
| 2015 | 74% | 21,250 | 109,947 mi |
| 2014 | 72% | 13,474 | 120,058 mi |
| 2013 | 71% | 8,542 | 133,819 mi |
| 2012 | 70% | 9,250 | 140,116 mi |
| 2011 | 68% | 12,762 | 142,106 mi |
| 2010 | 69% | 11,152 | 150,690 mi |
| 2009 | 69% | 6,575 | 150,068 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 9,061 | 151,542 mi |
| 2007 | 69% | 9,074 | 154,963 mi |
| 2006 | 68% | 8,146 | 156,522 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 6,057 | 156,799 mi |
| 2004 | 67% | 4,893 | 156,061 mi |
| 2003 | 68% | 3,079 | 152,990 mi |
| 2002 | 94% | 5,279 | 123,882 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 107 | 150,406 mi |
| 1999 | 56% | 45 | 86,501 mi |
| 1998 | 72% | 129 | 72,790 mi |
| 1997 | 68% | 383 | 76,233 mi |
| 1996 | 71% | 559 | 76,673 mi |
| 1995 | 70% | 512 | 83,515 mi |
| 1994 | 65% | 533 | 80,976 mi |
| 1993 | 64% | 592 | 79,986 mi |
| 1992 | 63% | 694 | 88,962 mi |
| 1991 | 59% | 499 | 85,068 mi |
| 1990 | 64% | 504 | 79,676 mi |
Checking a specific RENAULT TRAFIC?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC
The 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC is a family car with a 1996cc diesel engine. 9,250 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 93% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 140,116 miles at 12 years old, RENAULT TRAFIC owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2012 RENAULT TRAFIC Fuel Costs
The 1996cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 TRAFIC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
RENAULT TRAFIC Reliability Trend
Newer RENAULT TRAFICs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC
At 12 years old, the RENAULT TRAFIC 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 2002 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 9,250 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2014) 87% pass rate (+17%) from 120,417 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (+9%) from 101,969 tests
- AUDI A3 (2014) 86% pass rate (+16%) from 77,639 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2010) 74% pass rate (+4%) from 75,715 tests