SEAT Ibiza (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 577 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,900

£158/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 5-15

1198cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £1,900/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1198cc24 years old577 tests96k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1198cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,900

Per month£158/mo

Per week£37/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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.

70% of MOT tests on SEAT Ibizas from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 577 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 95,782 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models271st of 391(bottom half)

Rank among SEAT models279th of 310(bottom 11%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average-3%(73% avg)

vs SEAT average-15%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

95,782

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 SEAT Ibiza had 95,782 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 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2002 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

SEAT Ibiza by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	96%	418	22,275 mi
2021	92%	17,771	24,880 mi
2020	91%	16,249	31,941 mi
2019	91%	20,675	38,094 mi
2018	84%	24,463	46,666 mi
2017	81%	29,662	52,963 mi
2016	79%	34,134	61,114 mi
2015	79%	33,352	67,791 mi
2014	77%	37,085	75,703 mi
2013	76%	31,617	84,409 mi
2012	76%	26,414	89,359 mi
2011	74%	27,444	95,507 mi
2010	73%	21,211	100,060 mi
2009	72%	18,053	101,535 mi
2008	70%	11,260	105,184 mi
2007	69%	8,130	103,795 mi
2006	70%	5,515	104,697 mi
2005	69%	2,839	101,688 mi
2004	70%	2,329	97,439 mi
2003	68%	1,827	100,261 mi
2002	70%	577	95,782 mi
2001	70%	284	91,763 mi
2000	68%	124	83,593 mi
1999	72%	321	90,110 mi
1998	72%	197	88,430 mi
1997	72%	127	77,860 mi
1996	83%	59	67,023 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2004 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+1%

Ford Focus

2004 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

69%

-1%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+1%

Volkswagen Polo

2004 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-3%

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About the 2002 SEAT Ibiza

The 2002 SEAT Ibiza is a city car. Our records list a 1198cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 577 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 falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 95,782 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SEAT Ibiza owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 SEAT Ibiza Fuel Costs

The modest 1198cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 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 SEAT Ibiza?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,900 (£158/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SEAT Ibiza Reliability Trend

Newer SEAT Ibizas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2002 SEAT Ibiza

At 24 years old, the SEAT Ibiza 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

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.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

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 96k 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 Ibiza 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 Ibiza(2002)	70%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900
MINI(2004)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£328
Ford Focus(2004)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£528
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£253
Volkswagen Polo(2004)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353+£453

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 Ibiza

Is the 2002 SEAT Ibiza reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2002 SEAT Ibizas ended in a pass, from 577 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 SEAT Ibiza cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,900 a year (£158 a month): £1,175 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 Ibiza?

70% of 577 MOT tests on the 2002 SEAT Ibiza ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 271st of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom half).

Which year SEAT Ibiza has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 SEAT Ibiza has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2000 the lowest at 68%. 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 Ibiza?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 SEAT Ibiza is 95,782 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.