Toyota Prius (2002)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 74 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,078
£173/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1497cc Hybrid
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
86% of MOT tests on Toyota Priuss from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 74 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 127,785 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
127,785
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2002 Toyota Prius had 127,785 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 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2002 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Toyota Prius by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 98% | 1,796 | 28,546 mi | |
| 2023 | 95% | 790 | 45,159 mi | |
| 2022 | 96% | 1,210 | 45,561 mi | |
| 2021 | 94% | 5,754 | 47,658 mi | |
| 2020 | 93% | 17,502 | 59,107 mi | |
| 2019 | 94% | 32,127 | 85,977 mi | |
| 2018 | 94% | 30,568 | 84,645 mi | |
| 2017 | 93% | 27,059 | 100,387 mi | |
| 2016 | 91% | 25,588 | 125,494 mi | |
| 2015 | 91% | 21,626 | 150,511 mi | |
| 2014 | 91% | 21,629 | 152,232 mi | |
| 2013 | 88% | 16,377 | 142,823 mi | |
| 2012 | 85% | 13,137 | 157,113 mi | |
| 2011 | 83% | 12,235 | 177,140 mi | |
| 2010 | 82% | 16,294 | 178,433 mi | |
| 2009 | 80% | 12,010 | 166,625 mi | |
| 2008 | 79% | 11,632 | 160,577 mi | |
| 2007 | 78% | 11,511 | 154,920 mi | |
| 2006 | 77% | 6,242 | 161,568 mi | |
| 2005 | 78% | 4,176 | 158,308 mi | |
| 2004 | 79% | 1,530 | 160,817 mi | |
| 2003 | 80% | 235 | 145,590 mi | |
| 2002 | 86% | 74 | 127,785 mi | |
| 2001 | 74% | 119 | 134,289 mi |
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About the 2002 Toyota Prius
The 2002 Toyota Prius is a small family car. Our records list a 1497cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 74 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2002 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 127,785 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Prius owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 Toyota Prius Fuel Costs
The 1497cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Our estimate uses around 42 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, which works out to roughly £1,398 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). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2002 Toyota Prius?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Toyota Prius Reliability Trend
Newer Toyota Priuss pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2002 Toyota Prius
At 24 years old, the Toyota Prius 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 94%. Note: with only 74 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.
Hybrid Battery Health
Watch outAfter 24 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Medium riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
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 128k 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.
Questions about the 2002 Toyota Prius
Is the 2002 Toyota Prius reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2002 Toyota Priuss ended in a pass, from 74 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2002 Toyota Prius cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Toyota Prius?
86% of 74 MOT tests on the 2002 Toyota Prius ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 53rd of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top 14%).
Which year Toyota Prius has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Toyota Prius has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2001 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 Toyota Prius?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Toyota Prius is 127,785 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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