VAUXHALL CORSA (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 9,309 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
9,309
Avg Mileage
82,576 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,690
Is the 2002 VAUXHALL CORSA reliable?
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 22 years old, 68% of VAUXHALL CORSAs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 9,309 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,576 miles.
How does the 2002 VAUXHALL CORSA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 VAUXHALL CORSA has 82,576 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a VAUXHALL CORSA?
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%.
How much does a 2002 VAUXHALL CORSA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific VAUXHALL CORSA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 22 years old, VAUXHALL CORSA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
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 £1,690 (£141/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £30 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 22 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.
Alternatives to the 2002 VAUXHALL CORSA
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2004) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 39,183 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2004) 72% pass rate (+4%) from 20,938 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2004) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 15,813 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2002) 68% pass rate (same) from 12,081 tests