SUBARU WRX (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 102 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,277
£190/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2457cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2457cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 14 years old, 91% of SUBARU WRXs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 102 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,429 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,429
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 SUBARU WRX has 69,429 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 2018 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 90%. The 2012 sits between the two at 91%.
SUBARU WRX by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 SUBARU WRX
The 2012 SUBARU WRX is a large car with a 2457cc petrol engine. 102 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 69,429 miles at 14 years old, SUBARU WRX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 SUBARU WRX Fuel Costs
The 2457cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 SUBARU WRX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
SUBARU WRX Reliability Trend
The SUBARU WRX has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 SUBARU WRX
At 14 years old, the SUBARU WRX 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 SUBARU WRX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 14 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 SUBARU WRX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU WRX(2012) | 91% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2277 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2011) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£60 |
| AUDI A3(2010) | 77% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£260 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2010) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£60 |
| VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397+£120 |
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 Subaru Models
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