Volkswagen Sharan (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,959 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1968cc Diesel

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1968cc14 years old3,959 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

81% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Sharans from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 3,959 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 107,276 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models348th of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Volkswagen models726th of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+3%(78% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-4%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

107,276

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Volkswagen Sharan had 107,276 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 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2012 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Sharan by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2024	94%	32	58,054 mi
2023	96%	45	36,329 mi
2022	83%	36	45,020 mi
2021	88%	2,860	26,033 mi
2020	89%	2,458	40,416 mi
2019	91%	9,709	92,208 mi
2018	89%	5,209	80,763 mi
2017	88%	5,436	99,674 mi
2016	87%	5,322	117,033 mi
2015	83%	5,386	118,143 mi
2014	83%	5,121	116,423 mi
2013	82%	4,249	112,359 mi
2012	81%	3,959	107,276 mi
2011	81%	4,078	115,991 mi
2010	77%	1,274	139,864 mi
2009	69%	1,013	139,940 mi
2008	68%	1,090	140,672 mi
2007	65%	1,352	142,445 mi
2006	64%	1,294	142,616 mi
2005	64%	1,301	142,399 mi
2004	66%	781	149,108 mi
2003	64%	501	150,605 mi
2002	69%	354	140,476 mi
2001	69%	163	131,329 mi
2000	75%	75	134,486 mi
1999	63%	57	129,752 mi
1998	77%	100	149,156 mi
1997	71%	79	132,258 mi
1996	60%	58	159,071 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

87%

+6%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-2%

Audi A3

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

86%

+5%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

-7%

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About the 2012 Volkswagen Sharan

The 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is a family car. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,959 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 107,276 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Sharan owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2012 Volkswagen Sharan Fuel Costs

The 1968cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 Sharan?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Sharan Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Sharans pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 17 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Volkswagen Sharan

At 14 years old, the Volkswagen Sharan 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 91%.

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 107k 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 Sharan 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 Sharan(2012)	81%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077
Volkswagen Golf(2014)	87%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£150
Audi A3(2014)	86%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283
Volkswagen Polo(2010)	74%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£133

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 Sharan

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Sharan reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2012 Volkswagen Sharans ended in a pass, from 3,959 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Volkswagen Sharan cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Volkswagen Sharan?

81% of 3,959 MOT tests on the 2012 Volkswagen Sharan ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 348th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

Which year Volkswagen Sharan has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Volkswagen Sharan has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2003 the lowest at 64%. 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 Sharan?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is 107,276 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.