VAUXHALL COMBO (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 960 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 15 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 24 years old, 67% of VAUXHALL COMBOs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 960 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 137,264 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
137,264
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 VAUXHALL COMBO has 137,264 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 85% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2002 sits between the two at 67%.
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
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About the 2002 VAUXHALL COMBO
The 2002 VAUXHALL COMBO is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 960 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 84% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 137,264 miles at 24 years old, VAUXHALL COMBO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
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 £1,137 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 VAUXHALL COMBO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2002 VAUXHALL COMBO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL COMBO(2002) | 67% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£130 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£235 |
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 Vauxhall Models
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