MAZDA DEMIO (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 221 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1498cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1498cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 24 years old, 73% of MAZDA DEMIOs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 221 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,784 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
72,784
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 MAZDA DEMIO has 72,784 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2002 sits between the two at 73%.
MAZDA DEMIO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 MAZDA DEMIO
The 2002 MAZDA DEMIO is a small family car with a 1498cc petrol engine. 221 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 72,784 miles at 24 years old, MAZDA DEMIO 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 DEMIO Fuel Costs
The 1498cc 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 DEMIO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MAZDA DEMIO Reliability Trend
The MAZDA DEMIO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 MAZDA DEMIO
At 24 years old, the MAZDA DEMIO 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 MAZDA DEMIO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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.
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 MAZDA DEMIO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA DEMIO(2002) | 73% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£70 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£35 |
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.
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2015 · 1998cc Petrol
MAZDA CX-5
2019 · 2000cc Petrol
MINI MINI
2004 · 1598cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2004 · 1596cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2003 · 1388cc Petrol
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