MAZDA 6 (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 140 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
54%
Total Tests (2024)
140
Avg Mileage
98,087 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2002 MAZDA 6 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 28 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 22 years old, 54% of MAZDA 6s from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 140 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,087 miles.
How does the 2002 MAZDA 6 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 MAZDA 6 has 98,087 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a MAZDA 6?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 54%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2002 MAZDA 6 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 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 |
Checking a specific MAZDA 6?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 MAZDA 6
The 2002 MAZDA 6 is a family car with a 1798cc petrol engine. 140 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 98,087 miles at 22 years old, 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 £1,327 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 MAZDA 6?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 18 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 MAZDA 6
At 22 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.
Alternatives to the 2002 MAZDA 6
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 (+17%) from 36,444 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2004) 69% pass rate (+15%) from 29,927 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+17%) from 29,898 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2004) 67% pass rate (+13%) from 26,290 tests