Toyota Rav-4 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,968 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Diesel

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1998cc14 years old2,968 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1998cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

83% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

83% of MOT tests on Toyota Rav-4s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 2,968 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,727 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models286th of 650(top half)

Rank among Toyota models508th of 970(bottom half)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+5%(78% avg)

vs Toyota average-1%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,727

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Toyota Rav-4 had 92,727 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2012 scores 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Rav-4 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	87%	2,314	89,044 mi
2013	86%	2,378	89,784 mi
2012	83%	2,968	92,727 mi
2011	81%	5,769	101,091 mi
2010	81%	5,925	108,667 mi
2009	80%	2,815	111,891 mi
2008	75%	2,882	118,412 mi
2007	73%	4,787	124,487 mi
2006	72%	5,749	125,232 mi
2005	76%	5,613	120,527 mi
2004	75%	4,420	119,012 mi
2003	75%	3,314	120,017 mi
2002	74%	2,212	116,302 mi
2001	76%	1,327	120,035 mi
2000	76%	463	112,097 mi
1999	73%	447	124,230 mi
1998	73%	482	122,929 mi
1997	71%	447	121,927 mi
1996	72%	204	122,888 mi
1995	63%	67	126,943 mi
1994	77%	39	129,896 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

87%

+4%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-4%

Audi A3

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

86%

+3%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

-9%

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About the 2012 Toyota Rav-4

The 2012 Toyota Rav-4 is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,968 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 92,727 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Rav-4 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Toyota Rav-4 Fuel Costs

The 1998cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Toyota Rav-4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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.

Toyota Rav-4 Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Rav-4s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Toyota Rav-4

At 14 years old, the Toyota Rav-4 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.

What the 2012 Toyota Rav-4 Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 503 MOT tests on the 2012 Toyota Rav-4 that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Suspension40%
Same age: 39%
Lights and electrics37%
Same age: 43%
Brakes24%
Same age: 23%
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors19%
Same age: 14% (fails on this more often)

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Toyota Rav-4 reliability, common problems and years to avoid

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 93k 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.

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 Rav-4 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Toyota Rav-4(2012)	83%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077
Volkswagen Golf(2014)	87%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£150
Audi A3(2014)	86%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283
Volkswagen Polo(2010)	74%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£133

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Toyota Rav-4

Is the 2012 Toyota Rav-4 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 2012 Toyota Rav-4s ended in a pass, from 2,968 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Toyota Rav-4 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Toyota Rav-4?

83% of 2,968 MOT tests on the 2012 Toyota Rav-4 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 286th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top half).

Which year Toyota Rav-4 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Toyota Rav-4 has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 1997 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Toyota Rav-4?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Toyota Rav-4 is 92,727 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.