Chrysler PT Cruiser (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 213 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2148cc Diesel

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 9 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Chrysler PT Cruiser

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel2148cc24 years old213 tests103k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2148cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,641

Per month£220/mo

Per week£51/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

73% of MOT tests on Chrysler PT Cruisers from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 213 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 103,406 miles.

Got a Chrysler PT Cruiser you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models203rd of 391(bottom half)

Rank among Chrysler models42nd of 77(bottom half)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average+0%(73% avg)

vs Chrysler average-1%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,406

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser had 103,406 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2008 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2002 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Chrysler PT Cruiser by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2008	77%	172	90,229 mi
2007	71%	1,024	78,052 mi
2006	70%	909	79,709 mi
2005	70%	619	94,204 mi
2004	69%	450	98,727 mi
2003	68%	387	94,435 mi
2002	73%	213	103,406 mi
2001	72%	165	98,128 mi
2000	71%	65	94,335 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2003 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

same

Honda Civic

2004 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-1%

Vauxhall Astra

2003 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-1%

Audi A4

2004 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,641/year

74%

+1%

Check a Specific Chrysler PT Cruiser

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser

The 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a family car. Our records list a 2148cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 213 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 103,406 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Chrysler PT Cruiser owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Fuel Costs

The 2148cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Reliability Trend

The Chrysler PT Cruiser has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser

At 24 years old, the Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 2008 model has the highest pass rate at 77%.

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 103k 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 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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
Chrysler PT Cruiser(2002)	73%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641
Volkswagen Golf(2003)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414
Honda Civic(2004)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414
Vauxhall Astra(2003)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414
Audi A4(2004)	74%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641same

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 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Is the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2002 Chrysler PT Cruisers ended in a pass, from 213 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

73% of 213 MOT tests on the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 203rd of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom half).

Which year Chrysler PT Cruiser has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 2003 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser is 103,406 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.