HYUNDAI ACCENT (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 433 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1495cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1495cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 24 years old, 70% of HYUNDAI ACCENTs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 433 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,052 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
73,052
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 HYUNDAI ACCENT has 73,052 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 2007 model with a 74% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2002 sits between the two at 70%.
HYUNDAI ACCENT by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 HYUNDAI ACCENT
The 2002 HYUNDAI ACCENT is a small family car with a 1495cc petrol engine. 433 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 73,052 miles at 24 years old, HYUNDAI ACCENT 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 HYUNDAI ACCENT Fuel Costs
The 1495cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 HYUNDAI ACCENT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 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.
HYUNDAI ACCENT Reliability Trend
Newer HYUNDAI ACCENTs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 HYUNDAI ACCENT
At 24 years old, the HYUNDAI ACCENT 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 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 74%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 HYUNDAI ACCENT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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.
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 HYUNDAI ACCENT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYUNDAI ACCENT(2002) | 70% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£70 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£35 |
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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