FORD MUSTANG (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 75 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
75
Avg Mileage
77,428 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2002 FORD MUSTANG reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 22 years old, 92% of FORD MUSTANGs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 75 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,428 miles.
How does the 2002 FORD MUSTANG compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 FORD MUSTANG has 77,428 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a FORD MUSTANG?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2002 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2002 FORD MUSTANG cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD MUSTANG by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 96% | 54 | 13,235 mi |
| 2021 | 91% | 923 | 15,949 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 2,330 | 18,792 mi |
| 2019 | 89% | 3,200 | 23,848 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 5,727 | 30,511 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 5,161 | 33,418 mi |
| 2016 | 88% | 6,644 | 36,878 mi |
| 2015 | 88% | 797 | 42,568 mi |
| 2014 | 90% | 193 | 54,631 mi |
| 2013 | 90% | 223 | 53,084 mi |
| 2012 | 88% | 250 | 63,500 mi |
| 2011 | 82% | 199 | 70,044 mi |
| 2010 | 86% | 242 | 71,217 mi |
| 2009 | 88% | 260 | 65,602 mi |
| 2008 | 88% | 463 | 57,208 mi |
| 2007 | 87% | 628 | 66,137 mi |
| 2006 | 86% | 651 | 73,935 mi |
| 2005 | 88% | 677 | 72,553 mi |
| 2004 | 82% | 147 | 59,270 mi |
| 2003 | 85% | 95 | 81,097 mi |
| 2002 | 92% | 75 | 77,428 mi |
| 2001 | 85% | 88 | 67,827 mi |
| 2000 | 76% | 128 | 75,538 mi |
| 1999 | 88% | 101 | 85,621 mi |
| 1998 | 90% | 70 | 115,083 mi |
| 1997 | 84% | 125 | 77,032 mi |
| 1996 | 84% | 170 | 96,301 mi |
| 1995 | 84% | 137 | 92,168 mi |
| 1994 | 84% | 124 | 84,772 mi |
| 1991 | 98% | 48 | 73,234 mi |
Checking a specific FORD MUSTANG?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 FORD MUSTANG
The 2002 FORD MUSTANG is a performance with a 4600cc petrol engine. 75 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2002 cars for reliability.
With an average of 77,428 miles at 22 years old, FORD MUSTANG owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2002 FORD MUSTANG 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2002 FORD MUSTANG?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
FORD MUSTANG Reliability Trend
Newer FORD MUSTANGs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 FORD MUSTANG
At 22 years old, the FORD MUSTANG 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 75 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2002 FORD MUSTANG
The FORD MUSTANG is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES CLK (2004) 76% pass rate (-16%) from 8,352 tests
- BMW X5 (2004) 77% pass rate (-15%) from 6,276 tests
- MERCEDES SL (2003) 86% pass rate (-6%) from 5,173 tests
- ROVER 75 (2004) 69% pass rate (-23%) from 4,012 tests