HYUNDAI SANTA FE (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 254 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,777
£231/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2351cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2777/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2351cc
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 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 24 years old, 69% of HYUNDAI SANTA FEs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 254 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 114,308 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
114,308
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 114,308 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 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2002 sits between the two at 69%.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 1,002 | 29,234 mi | |
| 2020 | 94% | 1,279 | 35,189 mi | |
| 2019 | 89% | 2,285 | 43,694 mi | |
| 2018 | 90% | 3,459 | 52,064 mi | |
| 2017 | 88% | 4,595 | 61,527 mi | |
| 2016 | 86% | 7,907 | 67,815 mi | |
| 2015 | 85% | 5,704 | 76,900 mi | |
| 2014 | 79% | 4,992 | 88,159 mi | |
| 2013 | 76% | 2,963 | 95,138 mi | |
| 2012 | 74% | 6,090 | 103,389 mi | |
| 2011 | 72% | 6,616 | 113,847 mi | |
| 2010 | 72% | 6,348 | 118,050 mi | |
| 2009 | 73% | 1,368 | 112,515 mi | |
| 2008 | 72% | 1,527 | 121,485 mi | |
| 2007 | 72% | 2,446 | 126,098 mi | |
| 2006 | 69% | 2,452 | 115,781 mi | |
| 2005 | 69% | 1,436 | 122,489 mi | |
| 2004 | 70% | 1,054 | 119,124 mi | |
| 2003 | 68% | 620 | 117,994 mi | |
| 2002 | 69% | 254 | 114,308 mi | |
| 2001 | 61% | 138 | 99,758 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
The 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE is a large car with a 2351cc petrol engine. 254 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 76% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 114,308 miles at 24 years old, HYUNDAI SANTA FE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE Fuel Costs
The 2351cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,777 (£231/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE Reliability Trend
Newer HYUNDAI SANTA FEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
At 24 years old, the HYUNDAI SANTA FE 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE'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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 114k 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 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 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 SANTA FE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYUNDAI SANTA FE(2002) | 69% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2777 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2004) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£560 |
| HONDA CR-V(2004) | 70% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£760 |
| FORD MONDEO(2004) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£560 |
| FIAT DUCATO(2004) | 75% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£760 |
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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