VAUXHALL ADAM (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 82 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1398cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1398cc
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, 82% of VAUXHALL ADAMs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 82 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,741 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,741
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 VAUXHALL ADAM has 69,741 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 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2012 sits between the two at 82%.
VAUXHALL ADAM by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 VAUXHALL ADAM
The 2012 VAUXHALL ADAM is a small family car with a 1398cc petrol engine. 82 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model 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 69,741 miles at 14 years old, VAUXHALL ADAM owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 VAUXHALL ADAM Fuel Costs
The 1398cc 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 VAUXHALL ADAM?
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 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VAUXHALL ADAM Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL ADAMs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 VAUXHALL ADAM
At 14 years old, the VAUXHALL ADAM 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 89%. Note: with only 82 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 VAUXHALL ADAM'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 VAUXHALL ADAM stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL ADAM(2012) | 82% | £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 Vauxhall Models
Explore other Vauxhall cars or similar models in the same category.
VAUXHALL CORSA
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VAUXHALL ASTRA
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VAUXHALL MOKKA
2015 · 1364cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2014 · 998cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2014 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
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