SUZUKI JIMNY (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,695 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1298cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1298cc
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%.
At 14 years old, 83% of SUZUKI JIMNYs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,695 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 58,922 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
58,922
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 SUZUKI JIMNY has 58,922 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 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2012 sits between the two at 83%.
SUZUKI JIMNY by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 93% | 61 | 2,882 mi | |
| 2021 | 92% | 37 | 22,760 mi | |
| 2020 | 95% | 1,447 | 21,916 mi | |
| 2019 | 95% | 2,046 | 27,369 mi | |
| 2018 | 86% | 832 | 29,945 mi | |
| 2017 | 87% | 1,587 | 31,687 mi | |
| 2016 | 87% | 1,627 | 38,681 mi | |
| 2015 | 83% | 1,661 | 44,085 mi | |
| 2014 | 84% | 1,396 | 47,704 mi | |
| 2013 | 83% | 1,621 | 54,678 mi | |
| 2012 | 83% | 1,695 | 58,922 mi | |
| 2011 | 79% | 1,339 | 62,289 mi | |
| 2010 | 79% | 1,249 | 67,375 mi | |
| 2009 | 80% | 1,485 | 71,005 mi | |
| 2008 | 76% | 2,167 | 76,833 mi | |
| 2007 | 75% | 3,155 | 81,208 mi | |
| 2006 | 73% | 3,044 | 83,462 mi | |
| 2005 | 73% | 3,185 | 84,867 mi | |
| 2004 | 70% | 3,683 | 86,932 mi | |
| 2003 | 74% | 3,098 | 91,083 mi | |
| 2002 | 73% | 2,396 | 93,267 mi | |
| 2001 | 72% | 1,524 | 88,613 mi | |
| 2000 | 71% | 1,211 | 87,550 mi | |
| 1999 | 67% | 984 | 89,081 mi | |
| 1998 | 72% | 249 | 86,950 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 SUZUKI JIMNY
The 2012 SUZUKI JIMNY is a small family car with a 1298cc petrol engine. 1,695 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 58,922 miles at 14 years old, SUZUKI JIMNY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 SUZUKI JIMNY Fuel Costs
The 1298cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 SUZUKI JIMNY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUZUKI JIMNY Reliability Trend
Newer SUZUKI JIMNYs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 SUZUKI JIMNY
At 14 years old, the SUZUKI JIMNY 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 SUZUKI JIMNY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 SUZUKI JIMNY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUZUKI JIMNY(2012) | 83% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| FORD FIESTA(2014) | 79% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540-£197 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2014) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
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 Suzuki Models
Explore other Suzuki cars or similar models in the same category.
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FORD FIESTA
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VAUXHALL CORSA
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FORD FOCUS
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