VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,035 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,045
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2995cc Diesel
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £2045/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2995cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 14 years old, 86% of VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREGs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,035 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 113,342 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
113,342
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG has 113,342 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2012 sits between the two at 86%.
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
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About the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
The 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG is a large car with a 2995cc diesel engine. 4,035 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 113,342 miles at 14 years old, VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG owners drive about as much as the UK average.
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 £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £2,045 (£170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG(2012) | 86% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £2045 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2013) | 88% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A4(2011) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| JAGUAR XF(2014) | 84% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A5(2013) | 85% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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