MAZDA 323 (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 329 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Total Tests (2024)
329
Avg Mileage
79,077 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 2002 MAZDA 323 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 22 years old, 64% of MAZDA 323s from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 329 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 79,077 miles.
How does the 2002 MAZDA 323 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 MAZDA 323 has 79,077 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 MAZDA 323?
The most reliable year is the 1995 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 54%. The 2002 sits between the two at 64%.
How much does a 2002 MAZDA 323 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MAZDA 323 by Year
Checking a specific MAZDA 323?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 MAZDA 323
The 2002 MAZDA 323 is a small family car with a 1324cc petrol engine. 329 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 92% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 79,077 miles at 22 years old, MAZDA 323 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 MAZDA 323 Fuel Costs
The 1324cc 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 MAZDA 323?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,922 (£160/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MAZDA 323 Reliability Trend
Older MAZDA 323s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 5 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2002 MAZDA 323
At 22 years old, the MAZDA 323 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 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.
Alternatives to the 2002 MAZDA 323
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2004) 71% pass rate (+7%) from 36,444 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2004) 69% pass rate (+5%) from 29,927 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+7%) from 29,898 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2004) 67% pass rate (+3%) from 26,290 tests