VAUXHALL VECTRA (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,056 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 8 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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 24 years old, 74% of VAUXHALL VECTRAs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,056 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,589 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
110,589
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 VAUXHALL VECTRA has 110,589 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 2000 model with a 75% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2002 sits between the two at 74%.
VAUXHALL VECTRA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 71% | 3,408 | 117,617 mi | |
| 2008 | 70% | 18,793 | 117,989 mi | |
| 2007 | 71% | 16,124 | 121,476 mi | |
| 2006 | 72% | 8,767 | 121,234 mi | |
| 2005 | 69% | 4,303 | 121,677 mi | |
| 2004 | 68% | 2,420 | 119,713 mi | |
| 2003 | 70% | 1,288 | 109,896 mi | |
| 2002 | 74% | 1,056 | 110,589 mi | |
| 2001 | 73% | 1,098 | 100,719 mi | |
| 2000 | 75% | 656 | 101,398 mi | |
| 1999 | 73% | 790 | 110,725 mi | |
| 1998 | 70% | 570 | 96,607 mi | |
| 1997 | 72% | 327 | 108,173 mi | |
| 1996 | 67% | 78 | 86,421 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 VAUXHALL VECTRA
The 2002 VAUXHALL VECTRA is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 1,056 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 110,589 miles at 24 years old, VAUXHALL VECTRA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 VAUXHALL VECTRA 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 VECTRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 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.
VAUXHALL VECTRA Reliability Trend
The VAUXHALL VECTRA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 VAUXHALL VECTRA
At 24 years old, the VAUXHALL VECTRA 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 2000 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 VAUXHALL VECTRA'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 111k 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 VAUXHALL VECTRA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL VECTRA(2002) | 74% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£70 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£35 |
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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