VAUXHALL CORSA (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 138,265 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1398cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 6 points below 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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 14 years old, 76% of VAUXHALL CORSAs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 138,265 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 79,639 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
79,639
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 VAUXHALL CORSA has 79,639 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 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2012 sits between the two at 76%.
VAUXHALL CORSA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96% | 204 | 21,555 mi | |
| 2020 | 85% | 348 | 28,514 mi | |
| 2019 | 88% | 68,639 | 32,881 mi | |
| 2018 | 85% | 86,266 | 41,031 mi | |
| 2017 | 82% | 90,285 | 49,026 mi | |
| 2016 | 81% | 133,045 | 56,744 mi | |
| 2015 | 78% | 160,438 | 63,359 mi | |
| 2014 | 76% | 141,747 | 69,331 mi | |
| 2013 | 77% | 136,838 | 75,022 mi | |
| 2012 | 76% | 138,265 | 79,639 mi | |
| 2011 | 75% | 111,868 | 83,401 mi | |
| 2010 | 74% | 99,909 | 85,864 mi | |
| 2009 | 73% | 91,541 | 89,332 mi | |
| 2008 | 73% | 84,782 | 91,750 mi | |
| 2007 | 72% | 65,133 | 92,716 mi | |
| 2006 | 68% | 34,523 | 86,148 mi | |
| 2005 | 68% | 23,877 | 84,722 mi | |
| 2004 | 68% | 17,048 | 83,203 mi | |
| 2003 | 67% | 14,521 | 83,708 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 9,309 | 82,576 mi | |
| 2001 | 68% | 6,337 | 80,064 mi | |
| 2000 | 69% | 2,465 | 68,980 mi | |
| 1999 | 89% | 7,697 | 80,319 mi | |
| 1998 | 73% | 2,514 | 71,159 mi | |
| 1997 | 72% | 1,694 | 72,132 mi | |
| 1996 | 74% | 831 | 72,499 mi | |
| 1995 | 72% | 537 | 74,332 mi | |
| 1994 | 77% | 395 | 63,135 mi | |
| 1993 | 88% | 187 | 62,430 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 VAUXHALL CORSA
The 2012 VAUXHALL CORSA is a small family car with a 1398cc petrol engine. 138,265 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 79,639 miles at 14 years old, VAUXHALL CORSA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 VAUXHALL CORSA 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 CORSA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VAUXHALL CORSA Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL CORSAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 VAUXHALL CORSA
At 14 years old, the VAUXHALL CORSA 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 138,265 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 VAUXHALL CORSA'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 CORSA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2012) | 76% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| FORD FIESTA(2014) | 79% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540-£347 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540-£347 |
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.
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