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MAZDA B SERIES (2002)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 421 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2498cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel2498cc24 years old421 tests125k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2498cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2498cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,195
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.

At 24 years old, 72% of MAZDA B SERIESs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 421 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 125,247 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars230th of 403(top 57%)
Rank among MAZDA models359th of 483(top 74%)
vs national average-10%(82% avg)
vs 2002 cars average-1%(73% avg)
vs MAZDA average-9%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

125,247

Average miles

vs

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 MAZDA B SERIES has 125,247 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 2001 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2002 sits between the two at 72%.

MAZDA B SERIES by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200673%244115,029 mi
200572%595110,924 mi
200470%304117,876 mi
200372%399122,590 mi
200272%421125,247 mi
200176%192127,878 mi
200071%286133,062 mi
199971%279126,167 mi
199873%100108,386 mi
199578%32104,863 mi

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About the 2002 MAZDA B SERIES

The 2002 MAZDA B SERIES is a large car with a 2498cc diesel engine. 421 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 125,247 miles at 24 years old, MAZDA B SERIES owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 MAZDA B SERIES Fuel Costs

The 2498cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2002 MAZDA B SERIES?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MAZDA B SERIES Reliability Trend

The MAZDA B SERIES has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2002 MAZDA B SERIES

At 24 years old, the MAZDA B SERIES 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 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2002 MAZDA B SERIES's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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

Watch out

With an average of 125k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 B SERIES stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MAZDA B SERIES(2002)72%£1245£395Grp 25-38£2195
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2004)73%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
BMW 3 SERIES(2003)78%£1245£250Grp 30-42£2050-£145
AUDI A4(2004)74%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2004)77%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145

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.

Related Mazda Models

Explore other Mazda cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mazda B series.

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