SEAT Arosa (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 743 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,944

£162/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1422cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £1,944/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Diesel1422cc24 years old743 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1422cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,944

Per month£162/mo

Per week£37/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.

75% of MOT tests on SEAT Arosas from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 743 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 82,794 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models158th of 391(top half)

Rank among SEAT models248th of 310(bottom 21%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average+2%(73% avg)

vs SEAT average-10%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

82,794

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 SEAT Arosa had 82,794 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 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2002 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

SEAT Arosa by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2005	71%	98	66,594 mi
2004	74%	1,092	73,523 mi
2003	75%	969	82,650 mi
2002	75%	743	82,794 mi
2001	74%	417	95,929 mi
2000	74%	214	80,798 mi
1999	76%	238	79,871 mi
1998	76%	296	68,823 mi
1997	74%	105	57,888 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2004 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

71%

-4%

Volkswagen Golf

2003 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

-2%

Honda Civic

2004 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-3%

Vauxhall Astra

2004 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

71%

-4%

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About the 2002 SEAT Arosa

The 2002 SEAT Arosa is a small family car. Our records list a 1422cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 743 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 82,794 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SEAT Arosa owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 SEAT Arosa Fuel Costs

The 1422cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2002 SEAT Arosa?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,944 (£162/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SEAT Arosa Reliability Trend

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

Buying a Used 2002 SEAT Arosa

At 24 years old, the SEAT Arosa 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 83k 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 SEAT Arosa 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
SEAT Arosa(2002)	75%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944
Ford Fiesta(2004)	71%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Volkswagen Golf(2003)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£283
Honda Civic(2004)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£283
Vauxhall Astra(2004)	71%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944same

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 SEAT Arosa

Is the 2002 SEAT Arosa reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2002 SEAT Arosas ended in a pass, from 743 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 SEAT Arosa cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,944 a year (£162 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 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 SEAT Arosa?

75% of 743 MOT tests on the 2002 SEAT Arosa ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 158th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top half).

Which year SEAT Arosa has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 SEAT Arosa has the highest MOT pass rate at 76% and the 1997 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 SEAT Arosa?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 SEAT Arosa is 82,794 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.