VAUXHALL CORSA (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 9,309 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,680
£140/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1199cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £1680/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1199cc
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 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 24 years old, 68% of VAUXHALL CORSAs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 9,309 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,576 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
82,576
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 VAUXHALL CORSA has 82,576 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2002 sits between the two at 68%.
VAUXHALL CORSA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96% | 204 | 21,555 mi | |
| 2020 | 85% | 348 | 28,514 mi | |
| 2019 | 88% | 68,639 | 32,881 mi | |
| 2018 | 85% | 86,266 | 41,031 mi | |
| 2017 | 82% | 90,285 | 49,026 mi | |
| 2016 | 81% | 133,045 | 56,744 mi | |
| 2015 | 78% | 160,438 | 63,359 mi | |
| 2014 | 76% | 141,747 | 69,331 mi | |
| 2013 | 77% | 136,838 | 75,022 mi | |
| 2012 | 76% | 138,265 | 79,639 mi | |
| 2011 | 75% | 111,868 | 83,401 mi | |
| 2010 | 74% | 99,909 | 85,864 mi | |
| 2009 | 73% | 91,541 | 89,332 mi | |
| 2008 | 73% | 84,782 | 91,750 mi | |
| 2007 | 72% | 65,133 | 92,716 mi | |
| 2006 | 68% | 34,523 | 86,148 mi | |
| 2005 | 68% | 23,877 | 84,722 mi | |
| 2004 | 68% | 17,048 | 83,203 mi | |
| 2003 | 67% | 14,521 | 83,708 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 9,309 | 82,576 mi | |
| 2001 | 68% | 6,337 | 80,064 mi | |
| 2000 | 69% | 2,465 | 68,980 mi | |
| 1999 | 89% | 7,697 | 80,319 mi | |
| 1998 | 73% | 2,514 | 71,159 mi | |
| 1997 | 72% | 1,694 | 72,132 mi | |
| 1996 | 74% | 831 | 72,499 mi | |
| 1995 | 72% | 537 | 74,332 mi | |
| 1994 | 77% | 395 | 63,135 mi | |
| 1993 | 88% | 187 | 62,430 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 VAUXHALL CORSA
The 2002 VAUXHALL CORSA is a city car with a 1199cc diesel engine. 9,309 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 78% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 82,576 miles at 24 years old, VAUXHALL CORSA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2002 VAUXHALL CORSA Fuel Costs
The modest 1199cc diesel engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2002 VAUXHALL CORSA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,680 (£140/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VAUXHALL CORSA Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL CORSAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 VAUXHALL CORSA
At 24 years old, the VAUXHALL CORSA 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 96%. With 9,309 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 VAUXHALL CORSA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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
Medium riskWith an average of 83k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 68% 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 CORSA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2002) | 68% | £905 | £20 | Grp 5-15 | £1680 |
| FORD FIESTA(2004) | 71% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£190 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2004) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£47 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2004) | 71% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£85 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2002) | 68% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1690+£10 |
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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