OPEL ASTRA (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 53 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1600cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 5 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1600cc
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 also outperforms the OPEL brand average of 72%.
At 24 years old, 77% of OPEL ASTRAs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 53 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 97,060 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
97,060
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 OPEL ASTRA has 97,060 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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OPEL ASTRA by Year
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About the 2002 OPEL ASTRA
The 2002 OPEL ASTRA is a small family car with a 1600cc petrol engine. 53 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 beats that benchmark.
With an average of 97,060 miles at 24 years old, OPEL ASTRA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 OPEL ASTRA Fuel Costs
The 1600cc 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 OPEL ASTRA?
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 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2002 OPEL ASTRA
At 24 years old, the OPEL ASTRA 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. Note: with only 53 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 OPEL ASTRA'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
Medium riskWith an average of 97k 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 OPEL ASTRA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPEL ASTRA(2002) | 77% | £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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