Opel Zafira (2002)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 42 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,511
£209/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£325
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.
74% of MOT tests on Opel Zafiras from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 42 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 123,094 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
123,094
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2002 Opel Zafira had 123,094 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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About the 2002 Opel Zafira
The 2002 Opel Zafira is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 42 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 123,094 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Opel Zafira owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 Opel Zafira Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 Opel Zafira?
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 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2002 Opel Zafira
At 24 years old, the Opel Zafira 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 42 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 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 123k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 Zafira 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opel Zafira(2002) | 74% | £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 |
| Renault Clio(2004) | 68% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711+£200 |
| Mercedes C(2004) | 72% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511same |
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 Opel Zafira
Is the 2002 Opel Zafira reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 2002 Opel Zafiras ended in a pass, from 42 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2002 Opel Zafira 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 Opel Zafira?
74% of 42 MOT tests on the 2002 Opel Zafira ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 190th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top half).
What is the average mileage for a 2002 Opel Zafira?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Opel Zafira is 123,094 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.
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