Vauxhall Ampera (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 779 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,153

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1398cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1398cc14 years old779 tests105k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1398cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,153

Per month£179/mo

Per week£41/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

78% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Amperas from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 779 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 105,301 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models439th of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Vauxhall models623rd of 870(bottom half)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+0%(78% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-6%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,301

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Vauxhall Ampera had 105,301 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 2013 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 86%, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 78%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Ampera by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2015	80%	192	84,941 mi
2014	78%	837	86,732 mi
2013	86%	424	99,734 mi
2012	78%	779	105,301 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2014 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

79%

+1%

Vauxhall Corsa

2014 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

76%

-2%

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

same

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-6%

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About the 2012 Vauxhall Ampera

The 2012 Vauxhall Ampera is a small family car. Our records list a 1398cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 779 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 105,301 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Ampera owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Vauxhall Ampera 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 Vauxhall Ampera?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,153 (£179/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Vauxhall Ampera Reliability Trend

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

Buying a Used 2012 Vauxhall Ampera

At 14 years old, the Vauxhall Ampera 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

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.

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

Watch out

With an average of 105k 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 Vauxhall Ampera 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
Vauxhall Ampera(2012)	78%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153
Ford Fiesta(2014)	79%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750-£403
Vauxhall Corsa(2014)	76%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153same
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£75
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£75

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 Vauxhall Ampera

Is the 2012 Vauxhall Ampera reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2012 Vauxhall Amperas ended in a pass, from 779 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Vauxhall Ampera cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,153 a year (£179 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Vauxhall Ampera?

78% of 779 MOT tests on the 2012 Vauxhall Ampera ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 439th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

Which year Vauxhall Ampera has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 Vauxhall Ampera has the highest MOT pass rate at 86% and the 2012 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Vauxhall Ampera?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Vauxhall Ampera is 105,301 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.