Mercedes Vaneo (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 61 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1898cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1898cc24 years old61 tests111k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1898cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

79% of MOT tests on Mercedes Vaneos from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 61 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 111,097 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models102nd of 391(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models1115th of 1,376(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average+6%(73% avg)

vs Mercedes average-8%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

111,097

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Mercedes Vaneo had 111,097 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2002 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes Vaneo by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	69%	87	67,720 mi
2005	66%	188	70,031 mi
2004	75%	154	69,779 mi
2003	70%	179	82,085 mi
2002	79%	61	111,097 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2004 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-8%

Ford Focus

2004 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

69%

-10%

Volkswagen Polo

2004 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-12%

Renault Clio

2004 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

68%

-11%

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About the 2002 Mercedes Vaneo

The 2002 Mercedes Vaneo is a premium car. Our records list a 1898cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 61 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 111,097 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes Vaneo owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 Mercedes Vaneo Fuel Costs

The 1898cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2002 Mercedes Vaneo?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes Vaneo Reliability Trend

The Mercedes Vaneo has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 2002 Mercedes Vaneo

At 24 years old, the Mercedes Vaneo 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 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 75%. Note: with only 61 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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 111k 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 Mercedes Vaneo stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes Vaneo(2002)	79%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
MINI(2004)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Ford Focus(2004)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£83
Volkswagen Polo(2004)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353-£158
Renault Clio(2004)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2002 Mercedes Vaneo

Is the 2002 Mercedes Vaneo reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2002 Mercedes Vaneos ended in a pass, from 61 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 Mercedes Vaneo cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Mercedes Vaneo?

79% of 61 MOT tests on the 2002 Mercedes Vaneo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 102nd of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top half).

Which year Mercedes Vaneo has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 Mercedes Vaneo has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2005 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 Mercedes Vaneo?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Mercedes Vaneo is 111,097 miles, 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.