MG MGF (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 200 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1588cc Petrol
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £1957/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1588cc
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 close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.
At 24 years old, 79% of MG MGFs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 200 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 61,029 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
61,029
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 MG MGF has 61,029 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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MG MGF by Year
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About the 2002 MG MGF
The 2002 MG MGF is a small family car with a 1588cc petrol engine. 200 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 beats that benchmark.
With an average of 61,029 miles at 24 years old, 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 £1,137 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 MG MGF?
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 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MG MGF Reliability Trend
Newer MG MGFs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2002 MG MGF'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 MG MGF stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG MGF(2002) | 79% | £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.
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