Vauxhall Meriva (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 15,076 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,944

£162/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1364cc Diesel

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £1,944/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1364cc14 years old15,076 tests78k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1364cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,944

Per month£162/mo

Per week£37/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

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 Merivas from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 15,076 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 78,172 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models426th of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Vauxhall models619th 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

78,172

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Vauxhall Meriva had 78,172 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 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2012 scores 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Meriva by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	94%	33	32,949 mi
2017	84%	6,937	42,014 mi
2016	83%	10,165	49,088 mi
2015	82%	13,281	56,416 mi
2014	81%	12,403	61,266 mi
2013	78%	13,584	69,704 mi
2012	78%	15,076	78,172 mi
2011	76%	25,841	87,952 mi
2010	73%	17,947	85,986 mi
2009	69%	10,176	83,758 mi
2008	68%	10,277	88,694 mi
2007	68%	9,146	90,049 mi
2006	66%	7,779	91,712 mi
2005	68%	4,663	92,298 mi
2004	67%	3,436	93,297 mi
2003	66%	686	91,455 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

77%

-1%

Volkswagen Golf

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

87%

+9%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

+1%

Volkswagen Polo

2014 · 1199cc Diesel

£1,644/year

80%

+2%

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About the 2012 Vauxhall Meriva

The 2012 Vauxhall Meriva is a small family car. Our records list a 1364cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 15,076 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 78,172 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Meriva owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Vauxhall Meriva Fuel Costs

The 1364cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 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 Vauxhall Meriva?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,944 (£162/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 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 Meriva Reliability Trend

Newer Vauxhall Merivas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Vauxhall Meriva

At 14 years old, the Vauxhall Meriva 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 84%. With 15,076 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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.

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 Meriva 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 Meriva(2012)	78%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944
Ford Fiesta(2013)	77%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Volkswagen Golf(2014)	87%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£150
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£283
Volkswagen Polo(2014)	80%	£1,219	£20	Grp 5-15	£1,644-£300

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 Meriva

Is the 2012 Vauxhall Meriva reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2012 Vauxhall Merivas ended in a pass, from 15,076 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 Meriva cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,944 a year (£162 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 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 Meriva?

78% of 15,076 MOT tests on the 2012 Vauxhall Meriva ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 426th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

Which year Vauxhall Meriva has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Vauxhall Meriva has the highest MOT pass rate at 84% and the 2003 the lowest at 66%. 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 Meriva?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Vauxhall Meriva is 78,172 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.