Volkswagen Touareg (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,035 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2995cc Diesel

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2995cc14 years old4,035 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2995cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/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

86% 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.

86% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Touaregs from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 4,035 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 113,342 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models211th of 650(top half)

Rank among Volkswagen models599th of 1,086(bottom half)

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

vs 2012 models average+8%(78% avg)

vs Volkswagen average+1%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

113,342

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Volkswagen Touareg had 113,342 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 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2012 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Touareg by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	745	35,077 mi
2020	93%	1,542	43,671 mi
2019	91%	6,746	49,179 mi
2018	90%	3,613	56,095 mi
2017	85%	7,454	65,245 mi
2016	86%	8,176	75,288 mi
2015	85%	9,905	84,367 mi
2014	88%	7,329	94,102 mi
2013	86%	5,596	104,529 mi
2012	86%	4,035	113,342 mi
2011	84%	3,701	122,498 mi
2010	81%	1,668	128,292 mi
2009	80%	2,577	126,791 mi
2008	78%	3,337	137,817 mi
2007	79%	4,677	142,943 mi
2006	78%	3,571	146,020 mi
2005	76%	2,324	147,345 mi
2004	79%	1,176	138,196 mi
2003	79%	317	130,286 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Range Rover

2013 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,491/year

88%

+2%

Audi A4

2011 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,491/year

82%

-4%

Jaguar XF

2014 · 2993cc Diesel

£2,491/year

84%

-2%

Audi A5

2013 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,491/year

85%

-1%

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About the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is a large car. Our records list a 2995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,035 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 113,342 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Touareg owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2012 Volkswagen Touareg Fuel Costs

The 2995cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 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 Touareg?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Touareg Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Touaregs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Volkswagen Touareg

At 14 years old, the Volkswagen Touareg 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 93%.

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.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 Touareg 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 Touareg(2012)	86%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491
Land Rover Range Rover(2013)	88%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Audi A4(2011)	82%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Jaguar XF(2014)	84%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Audi A5(2013)	85%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same

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 Touareg

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2012 Volkswagen Touaregs ended in a pass, from 4,035 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 Touareg?

86% of 4,035 MOT tests on the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 211th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top half).

Which year Volkswagen Touareg has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Touareg has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2005 the lowest at 76%. 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 Touareg?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is 113,342 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.