CarCostCheck

FORD PUMA (2002)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 857 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,397

£200/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1679cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Petrol1679cc24 years old857 tests81k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1679cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327
Road Tax

Based on 1679cc

£315
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700
Total per year£2,397
Per month£200/mo
Per week£46/wk

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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 24 years old, 69% of FORD PUMAs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 857 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 81,143 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars299th of 403(top 74%)
Rank among FORD models1077th of 1,167(top 92%)
vs national average-13%(82% avg)
vs 2002 cars average-4%(73% avg)
vs FORD average-16%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

81,143

Average miles

vs

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 FORD PUMA has 81,143 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2002 sits between the two at 69%.

FORD PUMA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
2022100%3020,629 mi
202195%45820,056 mi
202089%41726,310 mi
200269%85781,143 mi
200171%1,09783,232 mi
200071%1,02083,632 mi
199970%92282,933 mi
199868%49156,078 mi
199777%7164,687 mi

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About the 2002 FORD PUMA

The 2002 FORD PUMA is a family car with a 1679cc petrol engine. 857 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 81,143 miles at 24 years old, FORD PUMA 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 PUMA Fuel Costs

The 1679cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 PUMA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

FORD PUMA Reliability Trend

Newer FORD PUMAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2002 FORD PUMA

At 24 years old, the FORD PUMA 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 95%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2002 FORD PUMA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

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 81k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 PUMA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
FORD PUMA(2002)69%£1327£315Grp 18-32£2397
MINI MINI(2004)71%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£570
FORD FOCUS(2004)69%£1137£135Grp 12-25£2027-£370
FORD FIESTA(2003)71%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1722-£675
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004)67%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1922-£475

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.

Related Ford Models

Explore other Ford cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Ford Puma.

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