Volkswagen Tiguan (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 17,206 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1968cc Diesel

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1968cc14 years old17,206 tests104k 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

80% 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%.

80% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Tiguans from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 17,206 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 104,405 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models369th of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Volkswagen models751st of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+2%(78% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-5%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

104,405

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan had 104,405 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 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 77%. The 2012 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Tiguan by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	97%	35	9,480 mi
2022	93%	238	27,087 mi
2021	90%	15,071	31,481 mi
2020	92%	20,269	36,294 mi
2019	91%	30,015	43,557 mi
2018	91%	54,085	53,419 mi
2017	91%	50,453	63,085 mi
2016	89%	34,191	69,653 mi
2015	85%	34,973	76,932 mi
2014	83%	28,080	84,406 mi
2013	82%	23,451	92,987 mi
2012	80%	17,206	104,405 mi
2011	78%	13,243	113,255 mi
2010	77%	13,554	118,197 mi
2009	78%	12,129	123,242 mi
2008	77%	8,740	129,947 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

87%

+7%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-1%

Audi A3

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

86%

+6%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

-6%

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About the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is a family car. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 17,206 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 104,405 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Tiguan owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tiguan?

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 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Tiguans pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

At 14 years old, the Volkswagen Tiguan 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 17,206 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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 104k 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 Tiguan 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 Tiguan(2012)	80%	£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 Tiguan

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2012 Volkswagen Tiguans ended in a pass, from 17,206 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tiguan?

80% of 17,206 MOT tests on the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 369th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

Which year Volkswagen Tiguan has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2008 the lowest at 77%. 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 Tiguan?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is 104,405 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.