Vauxhall Combo (2002)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 960 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,428
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £2,428/year to run. 15 points below average.
Check a specific Vauxhall Combo
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.
67% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Combos from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 960 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 137,264 miles.
Got a Vauxhall Combo you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
137,264
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2002 Vauxhall Combo had 137,264 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific Vauxhall Combo?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2002 scores 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Vauxhall Combo by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 85% | 2,256 | 44,074 mi | |
| 2020 | 82% | 16,650 | 50,243 mi | |
| 2019 | 84% | 26,189 | 56,702 mi | |
| 2018 | 81% | 5,210 | 68,773 mi | |
| 2017 | 77% | 6,624 | 82,586 mi | |
| 2016 | 75% | 9,354 | 96,356 mi | |
| 2015 | 74% | 9,819 | 102,757 mi | |
| 2014 | 73% | 9,086 | 106,793 mi | |
| 2013 | 72% | 6,354 | 111,544 mi | |
| 2012 | 70% | 5,907 | 115,666 mi | |
| 2011 | 74% | 13,518 | 110,613 mi | |
| 2010 | 72% | 12,858 | 110,980 mi | |
| 2009 | 69% | 8,183 | 121,545 mi | |
| 2008 | 68% | 10,804 | 129,928 mi | |
| 2007 | 68% | 9,039 | 133,235 mi | |
| 2006 | 66% | 6,903 | 128,920 mi | |
| 2005 | 67% | 4,689 | 128,941 mi | |
| 2004 | 65% | 4,226 | 139,747 mi | |
| 2003 | 65% | 3,142 | 138,909 mi | |
| 2002 | 67% | 960 | 137,264 mi | |
| 2001 | 66% | 180 | 111,186 mi | |
| 2000 | 67% | 83 | 110,182 mi | |
| 1999 | 84% | 106 | 105,727 mi | |
| 1998 | 83% | 81 | 123,220 mi | |
| 1997 | 79% | 47 | 134,272 mi | |
| 1996 | 75% | 79 | 107,082 mi | |
| 1995 | 71% | 49 | 116,969 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Vauxhall Combo
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2002 Vauxhall Combo
The 2002 Vauxhall Combo is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 960 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 17% of 2002 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 137,264 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Combo owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2002 Vauxhall Combo Fuel Costs
The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, 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).
What does it cost to own a 2002 Vauxhall Combo?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,428 (£202/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Vauxhall Combo Reliability Trend
Newer Vauxhall Combos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2002 Vauxhall Combo
At 24 years old, the Vauxhall Combo 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 85%.
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.
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 137k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 Vauxhall Combo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall Combo(2002) | 67% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428 |
| MINI(2004) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£200 |
| Ford Focus(2004) | 69% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428same |
| Ford Fiesta(2003) | 71% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£275 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2004) | 67% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,353-£75 |
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 Vauxhall Combo
Is the 2002 Vauxhall Combo reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 2002 Vauxhall Combos ended in a pass, from 960 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2002 Vauxhall Combo cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,428 a year (£202 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Vauxhall Combo?
67% of 960 MOT tests on the 2002 Vauxhall Combo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 329th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom 17%).
Which year Vauxhall Combo has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Vauxhall Combo has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2003 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2002 Vauxhall Combo?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Vauxhall Combo is 137,264 miles, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Vauxhall Models
Explore other Vauxhall cars or similar models in the same category.
Vauxhall Corsa
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
Vauxhall Astra
2013 · 1700cc Diesel
Vauxhall Mokka
2015 · 1364cc Petrol
MINI
2004 · 1598cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2004 · 1596cc Petrol
Ford Fiesta
2003 · 1388cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Vauxhall Combo.
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying Guide15 Best First Cars UK 2026: Low Insurance Groups and Running Costs
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific Vauxhall Combo
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a Vauxhall Combo? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
With outstanding finance included