Ford Escort (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 525 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1753cc Diesel

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Diesel1753cc24 years old525 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1753cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

74% of MOT tests on Ford Escorts from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 525 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 107,053 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models178th of 391(top half)

Rank among Ford models921st of 1,136(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average+1%(73% avg)

vs Ford average-11%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

107,053

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Ford Escort had 107,053 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1992 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2002 scores 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Escort by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	100%	32	32,761 mi
2016	100%	33	49,005 mi
2015	91%	34	45,109 mi
2002	74%	525	107,053 mi
2001	71%	695	98,376 mi
2000	71%	801	83,996 mi
1999	71%	706	55,466 mi
1998	74%	1,292	59,153 mi
1997	72%	1,797	56,799 mi
1996	77%	1,820	56,809 mi
1995	81%	1,377	52,782 mi
1994	83%	1,008	57,612 mi
1993	83%	1,097	51,371 mi
1992	88%	733	50,276 mi
1991	85%	782	53,590 mi
1990	85%	2,672	52,314 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2004 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

71%

-3%

Volkswagen Golf

2003 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

-1%

Honda Civic

2004 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-2%

Vauxhall Astra

2004 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

71%

-3%

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About the 2002 Ford Escort

The 2002 Ford Escort is a family car. Our records list a 1753cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 525 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 107,053 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Escort owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 Ford Escort Fuel Costs

The 1753cc 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 2002 Ford Escort?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford Escort Reliability Trend

Older Ford Escorts tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 11 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 2002 Ford Escort

At 24 years old, the Ford Escort 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 1992 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

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 2002 Ford Escort 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
Ford Escort(2002)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Ford Fiesta(2004)	71%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£283
Volkswagen Golf(2003)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Honda Civic(2004)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Astra(2004)	71%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283

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 Ford Escort

Is the 2002 Ford Escort reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 2002 Ford Escorts ended in a pass, from 525 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 Ford Escort cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 Ford Escort?

74% of 525 MOT tests on the 2002 Ford Escort ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 178th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top half).

Which year Ford Escort has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1992 Ford Escort has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2001 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 Ford Escort?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Ford Escort is 107,053 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.