How much does a 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC?

The 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC has a 70% MOT pass rate based on 9,250 tests in 2026. This ranks 637 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year RENAULT TRAFIC is most reliable?

The 2002 RENAULT TRAFIC has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 1991 at 59%.

RENAULT TRAFIC (2012)

Q: Is the 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of RENAULT TRAFICs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 9,250 tests. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC?

The average mileage for a 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC is 140,116 miles, which is above the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 9,250 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1996cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Diesel1996cc14 years old9,250 tests140k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1996cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1996cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/wk

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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 14 years old, 70% of RENAULT TRAFICs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 9,250 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 140,116 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars637th of 685(top 93%)

Rank among RENAULT models474th of 636(top 75%)

vs national average-12%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average-8%(78% avg)

vs RENAULT average-10%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

140,116

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC has 140,116 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

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%.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

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87%

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VAUXHALL ASTRA

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£1,727/year

79%

+9%

AUDI A3

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,445/year

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VOLKSWAGEN POLO

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£1,595/year

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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 2026, 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 14 years old, RENAULT TRAFIC owners cover more miles than the average driver.

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 £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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 14 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 RENAULT TRAFIC's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 140k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 TRAFIC stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
RENAULT TRAFIC(2012)	70%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014)	87%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1445-£412
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013)	79%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
AUDI A3(2014)	86%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1445-£412
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)	74%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£262

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.