SUBARU FORESTER (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 465 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
465
Avg Mileage
125,771 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2002 SUBARU FORESTER reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 22 years old, 76% of SUBARU FORESTERs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 465 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 125,771 miles.
How does the 2002 SUBARU FORESTER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 SUBARU FORESTER has 125,771 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a SUBARU FORESTER?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2002 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 2002 SUBARU FORESTER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SUBARU FORESTER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 88% | 73 | 55,047 mi |
| 2020 | 89% | 117 | 56,363 mi |
| 2019 | 92% | 968 | 40,774 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 1,617 | 49,495 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 1,501 | 59,999 mi |
| 2016 | 84% | 2,034 | 68,939 mi |
| 2015 | 83% | 1,719 | 75,172 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 2,046 | 85,284 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 1,244 | 95,454 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 518 | 104,981 mi |
| 2011 | 78% | 1,406 | 110,401 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 1,393 | 109,597 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 837 | 108,694 mi |
| 2008 | 80% | 905 | 108,470 mi |
| 2007 | 75% | 1,559 | 109,753 mi |
| 2006 | 75% | 1,646 | 117,944 mi |
| 2005 | 74% | 1,750 | 122,626 mi |
| 2004 | 75% | 1,456 | 125,021 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 1,132 | 133,554 mi |
| 2002 | 76% | 465 | 125,771 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 391 | 122,762 mi |
| 2000 | 72% | 315 | 124,647 mi |
| 1999 | 77% | 344 | 125,516 mi |
| 1998 | 74% | 242 | 118,976 mi |
| 1997 | 64% | 44 | 134,428 mi |
Checking a specific SUBARU FORESTER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 SUBARU FORESTER
The 2002 SUBARU FORESTER is a family car with a 1994cc petrol engine. 465 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 125,771 miles at 22 years old, SUBARU FORESTER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 SUBARU FORESTER Fuel Costs
The 1994cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 SUBARU FORESTER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUBARU FORESTER Reliability Trend
Newer SUBARU FORESTERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 SUBARU FORESTER
At 22 years old, the SUBARU FORESTER 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
Alternatives to the 2002 SUBARU FORESTER
The SUBARU FORESTER is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2004) 71% pass rate (-5%) from 36,444 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2004) 69% pass rate (-7%) from 29,927 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2004) 68% pass rate (-8%) from 15,179 tests
- MERCEDES C (2004) 72% pass rate (-4%) from 13,493 tests