FORD TRANSIT CONNECT (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 471 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1796cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
66% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 16 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1796cc
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 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 24 years old, 66% of FORD TRANSIT CONNECTs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 471 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 143,956 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
143,956
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT has 143,956 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 66%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
FORD TRANSIT CONNECT by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 88% | 191 | 40,487 mi | |
| 2021 | 87% | 17,354 | 47,152 mi | |
| 2020 | 84% | 18,651 | 57,161 mi | |
| 2019 | 84% | 25,912 | 67,506 mi | |
| 2018 | 85% | 28,585 | 81,064 mi | |
| 2017 | 85% | 31,221 | 92,291 mi | |
| 2016 | 84% | 24,852 | 103,494 mi | |
| 2015 | 82% | 24,244 | 111,819 mi | |
| 2014 | 81% | 19,467 | 121,448 mi | |
| 2013 | 74% | 7,981 | 114,048 mi | |
| 2012 | 73% | 10,682 | 119,235 mi | |
| 2011 | 71% | 10,797 | 130,178 mi | |
| 2010 | 68% | 9,782 | 135,398 mi | |
| 2009 | 69% | 9,569 | 129,536 mi | |
| 2008 | 68% | 14,134 | 142,643 mi | |
| 2007 | 67% | 16,093 | 145,361 mi | |
| 2006 | 66% | 13,833 | 143,865 mi | |
| 2005 | 66% | 9,725 | 144,944 mi | |
| 2004 | 66% | 7,089 | 142,957 mi | |
| 2003 | 66% | 4,907 | 145,152 mi | |
| 2002 | 66% | 471 | 143,956 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
The 2002 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 471 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 87% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 143,956 miles at 24 years old, FORD TRANSIT CONNECT owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2002 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT Fuel Costs
The 1796cc 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 TRANSIT CONNECT?
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 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FORD TRANSIT CONNECT Reliability Trend
Newer FORD TRANSIT CONNECTs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
At 24 years old, the FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 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 TRANSIT CONNECT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 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 144k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 66% 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 TRANSIT CONNECT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD TRANSIT CONNECT(2002) | 66% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£370 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£675 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 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.
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MINI MINI
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