CarCostCheck

MAZDA TRIBUTE (2002)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 45 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1989cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1989cc24 years old45 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1989cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327
Road Tax

Based on 1989cc

£315
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,197
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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.

At 24 years old, 71% of MAZDA TRIBUTEs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 45 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,676 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars263th of 403(top 65%)
Rank among MAZDA models382th of 483(top 79%)
vs national average-11%(82% avg)
vs 2002 cars average-2%(73% avg)
vs MAZDA average-10%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,676

Average miles

vs

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE has 103,676 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 2003 model with a 65% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2002 sits between the two at 71%.

MAZDA TRIBUTE by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200462%8199,359 mi
200365%5596,421 mi
200271%45103,676 mi

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About the 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE

The 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE is a family car with a 1989cc petrol engine. 45 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 103,676 miles at 24 years old, MAZDA TRIBUTE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE Fuel Costs

The 1989cc 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 TRIBUTE?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE

At 24 years old, the MAZDA TRIBUTE 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 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 65%. Note: with only 45 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

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

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

Watch out

With an average of 104k 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.

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

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MAZDA TRIBUTE(2002)71%£1327£315Grp 18-32£2197
MINI MINI(2004)71%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£370
FORD FOCUS(2004)69%£1137£135Grp 12-25£2027-£170
RENAULT CLIO(2004)68%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2217+£20
MERCEDES C(2004)72%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2017-£180

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.

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