FORD MONDEO (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,281 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,057
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £2057/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1998cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 24 years old, 68% of FORD MONDEOs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,281 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,320 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
115,320
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 FORD MONDEO has 115,320 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 68%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
FORD MONDEO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 94% | 80 | 54,644 mi | |
| 2021 | 89% | 1,710 | 39,889 mi | |
| 2020 | 89% | 3,652 | 50,239 mi | |
| 2019 | 90% | 7,466 | 61,857 mi | |
| 2018 | 90% | 11,913 | 73,505 mi | |
| 2017 | 88% | 18,073 | 84,027 mi | |
| 2016 | 87% | 26,925 | 92,893 mi | |
| 2015 | 86% | 29,704 | 100,819 mi | |
| 2014 | 80% | 20,850 | 117,891 mi | |
| 2013 | 78% | 22,767 | 125,216 mi | |
| 2012 | 78% | 29,196 | 125,913 mi | |
| 2011 | 77% | 24,537 | 131,601 mi | |
| 2010 | 75% | 29,714 | 132,388 mi | |
| 2009 | 74% | 29,480 | 135,619 mi | |
| 2008 | 72% | 28,655 | 139,585 mi | |
| 2007 | 71% | 22,117 | 133,332 mi | |
| 2006 | 71% | 13,543 | 124,230 mi | |
| 2005 | 69% | 11,436 | 124,025 mi | |
| 2004 | 69% | 7,419 | 121,520 mi | |
| 2003 | 68% | 4,276 | 116,650 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 3,281 | 115,320 mi | |
| 2001 | 69% | 2,982 | 115,470 mi | |
| 2000 | 70% | 1,210 | 105,568 mi | |
| 1999 | 71% | 1,232 | 100,805 mi | |
| 1998 | 72% | 794 | 104,643 mi | |
| 1997 | 71% | 552 | 100,239 mi | |
| 1996 | 73% | 574 | 95,491 mi | |
| 1995 | 69% | 426 | 96,846 mi | |
| 1994 | 76% | 255 | 97,557 mi | |
| 1993 | 83% | 217 | 97,667 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 FORD MONDEO
The 2002 FORD MONDEO is a family car with a 1998cc diesel engine. 3,281 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 78% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 115,320 miles at 24 years old, FORD MONDEO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 FORD MONDEO Fuel Costs
The 1998cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 MONDEO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,057 (£171/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FORD MONDEO Reliability Trend
Newer FORD MONDEOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 FORD MONDEO
At 24 years old, the FORD MONDEO 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 FORD MONDEO'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.
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 115k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2002 FORD MONDEO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD MONDEO(2002) | 68% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £2057 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2003) | 73% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2004) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2004) | 73% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£7 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2004) | 71% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£462 |
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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