Mazda 6 (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 140 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

54%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1798cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

54% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 28 points below average.

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Petrol1798cc24 years old140 tests98k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1798cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,711

Per month£226/mo

Per week£52/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

54% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 28 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

54% of MOT tests on Mazda 6s from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 140 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 98,087 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models388th of 391(bottom 2%)

Rank among Mazda models456th of 459(bottom 1%)

vs average of all models-28%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average-19%(73% avg)

vs Mazda average-27%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

98,087

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Mazda 6 had 98,087 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 54%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mazda 6 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	118	26,540 mi
2020	94%	1,786	31,783 mi
2019	91%	7,381	44,030 mi
2018	89%	5,151	55,840 mi
2017	87%	7,764	68,812 mi
2016	84%	11,771	78,854 mi
2015	82%	11,898	88,374 mi
2014	80%	11,144	97,838 mi
2013	80%	7,682	103,079 mi
2012	75%	5,149	103,925 mi
2011	74%	7,535	117,021 mi
2010	73%	9,673	121,783 mi
2009	73%	7,396	124,353 mi
2008	71%	6,498	124,138 mi
2007	68%	4,401	109,611 mi
2006	69%	2,430	105,119 mi
2005	64%	1,596	100,805 mi
2004	62%	763	99,968 mi
2003	63%	356	98,803 mi
2002	54%	140	98,087 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2004 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+17%

Ford Focus

2004 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

69%

+15%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+17%

Volkswagen Polo

2004 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

+13%

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About the 2002 Mazda 6

The 2002 Mazda 6 is a family car. Our records list a 1798cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 140 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 2% of 2002 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 98,087 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda 6 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 Mazda 6 Fuel Costs

The 1798cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2002 Mazda 6?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 54% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Mazda 6 Reliability Trend

Newer Mazda 6s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 18 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2002 Mazda 6

At 24 years old, the Mazda 6 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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 98k 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 54% 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 Mazda 6 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mazda 6(2002)	54%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711
MINI(2004)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
Ford Focus(2004)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£283
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£558
Volkswagen Polo(2004)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353-£358

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2002 Mazda 6

Is the 2002 Mazda 6 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 54% of MOT tests on 2002 Mazda 6s ended in a pass, from 140 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 28 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 Mazda 6 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Mazda 6?

54% of 140 MOT tests on the 2002 Mazda 6 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 388th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom 2%).

Which year Mazda 6 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mazda 6 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2002 the lowest at 54%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 Mazda 6?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Mazda 6 is 98,087 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.