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.
Check a specific MAZDA TRIBUTE
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1989cc
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.
Get an insurance quote for this MAZDA TRIBUTE
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
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.
Got a MAZDA TRIBUTE you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
103,676
Average miles
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.
Looking at a specific MAZDA TRIBUTE?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Mazda Tribute
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
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 outAt 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 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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith 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 riskHigh-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 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 TRIBUTE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA TRIBUTE(2002) | 71% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£170 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2004) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£20 |
| MERCEDES C(2004) | 72% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 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.
Related Mazda Models
Explore other Mazda cars or similar models in the same category.
MAZDA 2
2010 · 1349cc Petrol
MAZDA 3
2015 · 1998cc Petrol
MAZDA CX-5
2019 · 2000cc Petrol
MINI MINI
2004 · 1598cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2004 · 1596cc Petrol
RENAULT CLIO
2004 · 1998cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Mazda Tribute.
20 Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026: Real MOT Pass Rate Rankings
10 min read
Buying GuideCars That Hold Their Value UK 2026 (Up to 71% After 3 Years)
10 min read
ReliabilityMost Reliable Used Cars UK 2026 (Data From 50M Real MOT Tests)
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific MAZDA TRIBUTE
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a MAZDA TRIBUTE? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data