Ford Explorer (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 33 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,303

£275/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4600cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £3,303/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol4600cc24 years old33 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4600cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£3,303

Per month£275/mo

Per week£64/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

73% of MOT tests on Ford Explorers from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 33 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 83,397 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models206th of 391(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models959th of 1,136(bottom 16%)

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

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

vs Ford average-12%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

83,397

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Ford Explorer had 83,397 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 1999 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 81%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2002 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Explorer by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	88%	32	89,490 mi
2014	89%	44	97,646 mi
2013	89%	61	84,193 mi
2012	100%	38	84,961 mi
2005	89%	92	72,400 mi
2004	78%	69	77,520 mi
2003	88%	49	93,976 mi
2002	73%	33	83,397 mi
2000	73%	158	91,142 mi
1999	81%	203	114,067 mi
1998	66%	197	109,272 mi
1997	76%	98	104,130 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes CLK

2004 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,303/year

76%

+3%

BMW X5

2004 · 4799cc Petrol

£3,303/year

77%

+4%

Mercedes SL

2003 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+13%

Rover 75

2004 · 4601cc Petrol

£3,503/year

69%

-4%

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About the 2002 Ford Explorer

The 2002 Ford Explorer is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4600cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 33 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 83,397 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Explorer owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 Ford Explorer Fuel Costs

The 4600cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2002 Ford Explorer?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,303 (£275/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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.

Ford Explorer Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Explorers 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 2002 Ford Explorer

At 24 years old, the Ford Explorer 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 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 81%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 24 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 83k 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 Explorer 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 Explorer(2002)	73%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303
Mercedes CLK(2004)	76%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303same
BMW X5(2004)	77%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303same
Mercedes SL(2003)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£150
Rover 75(2004)	69%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,503+£200

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 Explorer

Is the 2002 Ford Explorer reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2002 Ford Explorers ended in a pass, from 33 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 Ford Explorer cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,303 a year (£275 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 Explorer?

73% of 33 MOT tests on the 2002 Ford Explorer ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 206th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom half).

Which year Ford Explorer has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 Ford Explorer has the highest MOT pass rate at 81% and the 1998 the lowest at 66%. 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 Explorer?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Ford Explorer is 83,397 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.