CarCostCheck

SKODA FABIA (2002)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,624 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1896cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Diesel1896cc24 years old3,624 tests105k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1896cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037
Road Tax

Based on 1896cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£1,857
Per month£155/mo
Per week£36/wk

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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SKODA brand average of 88%.

At 24 years old, 70% of SKODA FABIAs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,624 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,739 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars271th of 403(top 67%)
Rank among SKODA models319th of 331(top 96%)
vs national average-12%(82% avg)
vs 2002 cars average-3%(73% avg)
vs SKODA average-18%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

104,739

Average miles

vs

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 SKODA FABIA has 104,739 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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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2002 sits between the two at 70%.

SKODA FABIA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202294%3418,192 mi
202191%12,95624,133 mi
202090%16,26827,757 mi
201990%22,19833,188 mi
201886%26,40341,076 mi
201784%28,96749,380 mi
201683%31,15056,195 mi
201583%28,16560,895 mi
201482%23,84269,642 mi
201381%31,00076,734 mi
201279%23,97086,178 mi
201178%21,12089,856 mi
201077%18,99391,833 mi
200973%24,25091,725 mi
200871%20,115103,040 mi
200773%17,404106,991 mi
200672%15,282111,624 mi
200572%12,215114,942 mi
200471%8,612115,795 mi
200369%5,389105,500 mi
200270%3,624104,739 mi
200171%2,604107,277 mi
200070%61994,943 mi

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About the 2002 SKODA FABIA

The 2002 SKODA FABIA is a family car with a 1896cc diesel engine. 3,624 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 104,739 miles at 24 years old, SKODA FABIA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 SKODA FABIA Fuel Costs

The 1896cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 SKODA FABIA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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.

SKODA FABIA Reliability Trend

Newer SKODA FABIAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2002 SKODA FABIA

At 24 years old, the SKODA FABIA 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 91%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2002 SKODA FABIA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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

Watch out

With an average of 105k 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 SKODA FABIA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
SKODA FABIA(2002)70%£1037£265Grp 18-32£1857
FORD FIESTA(2004)71%£905£30Grp 8-20£1490-£367
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2003)73%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£130
HONDA CIVIC(2004)72%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£130
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2004)71%£905£135Grp 12-25£1595-£262

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.

Related Skoda Models

Explore other Skoda cars or similar models in the same category.

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