FORD FIESTA (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 14,118 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
14,118
Avg Mileage
88,471 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,490
Is the 2002 FORD FIESTA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 22 years old, 70% of FORD FIESTAs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 14,118 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 88,471 miles.
How does the 2002 FORD FIESTA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 FORD FIESTA has 88,471 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a FORD FIESTA?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2002 sits between the two at 70%.
How much does a 2002 FORD FIESTA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD FIESTA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 93% | 404 | 18,726 mi |
| 2021 | 94% | 6,234 | 22,177 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 34,173 | 29,611 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 124,950 | 34,738 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 157,746 | 42,265 mi |
| 2017 | 85% | 154,616 | 48,995 mi |
| 2016 | 81% | 205,128 | 56,940 mi |
| 2015 | 81% | 225,575 | 63,696 mi |
| 2014 | 79% | 224,536 | 71,010 mi |
| 2013 | 77% | 211,536 | 77,629 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 185,847 | 83,104 mi |
| 2011 | 75% | 161,778 | 90,389 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 165,879 | 95,140 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 180,029 | 96,775 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 109,443 | 95,143 mi |
| 2007 | 72% | 99,442 | 96,164 mi |
| 2006 | 70% | 81,463 | 97,129 mi |
| 2005 | 70% | 48,429 | 97,715 mi |
| 2004 | 71% | 39,183 | 97,910 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 29,898 | 96,816 mi |
| 2002 | 70% | 14,118 | 88,471 mi |
| 2001 | 68% | 4,970 | 72,535 mi |
| 2000 | 67% | 2,809 | 71,739 mi |
| 1999 | 67% | 4,854 | 66,066 mi |
| 1998 | 65% | 4,382 | 56,318 mi |
| 1997 | 66% | 1,926 | 57,252 mi |
| 1996 | 71% | 1,061 | 51,823 mi |
| 1995 | 74% | 859 | 53,478 mi |
| 1994 | 77% | 616 | 50,884 mi |
| 1993 | 69% | 565 | 50,329 mi |
| 1992 | 76% | 545 | 53,988 mi |
| 1991 | 84% | 854 | 51,137 mi |
| 1990 | 83% | 479 | 53,299 mi |
Checking a specific FORD FIESTA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 FORD FIESTA
The 2002 FORD FIESTA is a small family car with a 1399cc diesel engine. 14,118 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 88,471 miles at 22 years old, FORD FIESTA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 FORD FIESTA Fuel Costs
The 1399cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 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 2002 FORD FIESTA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,490 (£124/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD FIESTA Reliability Trend
Newer FORD FIESTAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 FORD FIESTA
At 22 years old, the FORD FIESTA 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 14,118 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2002 FORD FIESTA
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2003) 73% pass rate (+3%) from 31,803 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2004) 72% pass rate (+2%) from 20,938 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2004) 71% pass rate (+1%) from 15,813 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2002) 68% pass rate (-2%) from 12,081 tests