MG MGF (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 200 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1588cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1588cc24 years old200 tests61k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1588cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,228

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/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 MG brand average of 86%.

79% of MOT tests on MG MGFs from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 200 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 61,029 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models98th of 391(top half)

Rank among MG models115th of 155(bottom half)

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

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

vs MG average-7%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

61,029

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 MG MGF had 61,029 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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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MG MGF by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	91%	46	59,375 mi
2003	67%	43	61,264 mi
2002	79%	200	61,029 mi
2001	76%	2,829	63,289 mi
2000	76%	1,674	62,655 mi
1999	74%	2,457	65,936 mi
1998	72%	2,749	70,189 mi
1997	75%	2,049	68,840 mi
1996	71%	1,744	71,011 mi
1995	71%	219	76,565 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2004 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-8%

Ford Focus

2004 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

69%

-10%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-8%

Volkswagen Polo

2004 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-12%

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About the 2002 MG MGF

The 2002 MG MGF is a small family car. Our records list a 1588cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 200 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 61,029 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MG MGF 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 MG MGF Fuel Costs

The 1588cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 MG MGF?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 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.

MG MGF Reliability Trend

Newer MG MGFs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2002 MG MGF

At 24 years old, the MG MGF 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.

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.

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.

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 MG MGF 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
MG MGF(2002)	79%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
MINI(2004)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Ford Focus(2004)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£200
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75
Volkswagen Polo(2004)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353+£125

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 MG MGF

Is the 2002 MG MGF reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2002 MG MGFs ended in a pass, from 200 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 MG MGF cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 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 MG MGF?

79% of 200 MOT tests on the 2002 MG MGF ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 98th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top half).

Which year MG MGF has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2002 MG MGF has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 1995 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 MG MGF?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 MG MGF is 61,029 miles, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.