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TOYOTA AQUA (2012)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 747 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,807

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1490cc Hybrid

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £1807/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Hybrid1490cc14 years old747 tests63k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 1490cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137
Road Tax

Based on 1490cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,807
Per month£151/mo
Per week£35/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

86% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 14 years old, 86% of TOYOTA AQUAs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 747 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 62,666 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars224th of 685(top 33%)
Rank among TOYOTA models454th of 996(top 46%)
vs national average+4%(82% avg)
vs 2012 cars average+8%(78% avg)
vs TOYOTA average+2%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

62,666

Average miles

vs

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 TOYOTA AQUA has 62,666 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 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 86%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

TOYOTA AQUA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202495%4268,205 mi
2019100%13835,786 mi
201894%12546,752 mi
201794%6744,940 mi
201696%13652,683 mi
201596%22745,631 mi
201495%29449,719 mi
201395%76554,939 mi
201286%74762,666 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2012 TOYOTA AQUA

The 2012 TOYOTA AQUA is a small family car with a 1490cc hybrid engine. 747 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 62,666 miles at 14 years old, TOYOTA AQUA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2012 TOYOTA AQUA Fuel Costs

The 1490cc hybrid 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 hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.

What does it cost to own a 2012 TOYOTA AQUA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

TOYOTA AQUA Reliability Trend

The TOYOTA AQUA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 TOYOTA AQUA

At 14 years old, the TOYOTA AQUA 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 TOYOTA AQUA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Hybrid Battery Health

Watch out

After 14 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.

Inverter and Power Electronics

Medium risk

The inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.

Regenerative Braking

Medium risk

Brake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.

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.

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 TOYOTA AQUA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
TOYOTA AQUA(2012)86%£1137£265Grp 12-25£1807
TOYOTA AURIS(2014)86%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867+£60
LEXUS CT(2013)87%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867+£60
HONDA FIT(2011)91%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1422-£385
SUBARU XV(2013)81%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867+£60

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 Toyota Models

Explore other Toyota cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Toyota Aqua.

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