TOYOTA RAV-4 (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,212 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1794cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1794cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 24 years old, 74% of TOYOTA RAV-4s from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,212 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 116,302 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
116,302
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 TOYOTA RAV-4 has 116,302 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 2014 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2002 sits between the two at 74%.
TOYOTA RAV-4 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 87% | 2,314 | 89,044 mi | |
| 2013 | 86% | 2,378 | 89,784 mi | |
| 2012 | 83% | 2,968 | 92,727 mi | |
| 2011 | 81% | 5,769 | 101,091 mi | |
| 2010 | 81% | 5,925 | 108,667 mi | |
| 2009 | 80% | 2,815 | 111,891 mi | |
| 2008 | 75% | 2,882 | 118,412 mi | |
| 2007 | 73% | 4,787 | 124,487 mi | |
| 2006 | 72% | 5,749 | 125,232 mi | |
| 2005 | 76% | 5,613 | 120,527 mi | |
| 2004 | 75% | 4,420 | 119,012 mi | |
| 2003 | 75% | 3,314 | 120,017 mi | |
| 2002 | 74% | 2,212 | 116,302 mi | |
| 2001 | 76% | 1,327 | 120,035 mi | |
| 2000 | 76% | 463 | 112,097 mi | |
| 1999 | 73% | 447 | 124,230 mi | |
| 1998 | 73% | 482 | 122,929 mi | |
| 1997 | 71% | 447 | 121,927 mi | |
| 1996 | 72% | 204 | 122,888 mi | |
| 1995 | 63% | 67 | 126,943 mi | |
| 1994 | 77% | 39 | 129,896 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 TOYOTA RAV-4
The 2002 TOYOTA RAV-4 is a family car with a 1794cc petrol engine. 2,212 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 beats that benchmark.
With an average of 116,302 miles at 24 years old, TOYOTA RAV-4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 TOYOTA RAV-4 Fuel Costs
The 1794cc 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 TOYOTA RAV-4?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TOYOTA RAV-4 Reliability Trend
Newer TOYOTA RAV-4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 TOYOTA RAV-4
At 24 years old, the TOYOTA RAV-4 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 TOYOTA RAV-4's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 24 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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 116k 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.
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.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2002 TOYOTA RAV-4 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA RAV-4(2002) | 74% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£170 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£475 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£275 |
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.
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