SEAT MII (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,875 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,380
£115/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £1380/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 999cc
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 close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.
At 14 years old, 81% of SEAT MIIs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,875 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,829 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
70,829
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 SEAT MII has 70,829 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 2019 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 81%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
SEAT MII by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 SEAT MII
The 2012 SEAT MII is a city car with a 999cc petrol engine. 2,875 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 beats that benchmark.
With an average of 70,829 miles at 14 years old, SEAT MII owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 SEAT MII Fuel Costs
The modest 999cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 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 SEAT MII?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,380 (£115/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SEAT MII Reliability Trend
Newer SEAT MIIs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 SEAT MII
At 14 years old, the SEAT MII 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 SEAT MII's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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 SEAT MII stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEAT MII(2012) | 81% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1380 |
| FORD FIESTA(2014) | 79% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£160 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2014) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£342 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540+£160 |
| PEUGEOT 208(2013) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£160 |
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.
Related Seat Models
Explore other Seat cars or similar models in the same category.
SEAT LEON
2018 · 1395cc Petrol
SEAT IBIZA
2014 · 1198cc Petrol
SEAT ARONA
2019 · 1000cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2014 · 998cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2014 · 1398cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2011 · 1198cc Petrol
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