Volkswagen Jetta (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,074 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,944

£162/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Diesel

Check Carefully

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

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Diesel1598cc14 years old2,074 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)

~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 Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

78% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Jettas from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 2,074 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 113,174 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models435th of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Volkswagen models796th of 1,086(bottom half)

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

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

vs Volkswagen average-7%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

113,174

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Volkswagen Jetta had 113,174 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2012 scores 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Jetta by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	90%	40	62,425 mi
2017	81%	593	59,639 mi
2016	82%	1,321	75,513 mi
2015	80%	2,021	83,208 mi
2014	78%	1,754	96,885 mi
2013	77%	1,876	100,152 mi
2012	78%	2,074	113,174 mi
2011	78%	1,645	116,779 mi
2010	79%	1,138	113,968 mi
2009	77%	1,967	118,308 mi
2008	72%	3,010	130,113 mi
2007	74%	3,885	133,468 mi
2006	74%	3,004	135,613 mi
2005	62%	66	148,664 mi
1991	87%	217	126,890 mi
1990	82%	157	126,764 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 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,074 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 matches that benchmark.

With an average of 113,174 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Jetta owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Fuel Costs

The 1598cc 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 Volkswagen Jetta?

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.

Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Trend

The Volkswagen Jetta has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 2012 Volkswagen Jetta

At 14 years old, the Volkswagen Jetta 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 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.

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

Watch out

With an average of 113k 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 Volkswagen Jetta 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
Volkswagen Jetta(2012)	78%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£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 Volkswagen Jetta

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2012 Volkswagen Jettas ended in a pass, from 2,074 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 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta?

78% of 2,074 MOT tests on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 435th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

Which year Volkswagen Jetta has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 2008 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is 113,174 miles, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.