Vauxhall Zafira (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,799 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1900cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Diesel1900cc24 years old2,799 tests121k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1900cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

71% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Zafiras from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 2,799 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 121,379 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models236th of 391(bottom half)

Rank among Vauxhall models749th of 870(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average-2%(73% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-13%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

121,379

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Vauxhall Zafira had 121,379 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 86%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2002 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Zafira by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	86%	7,948	48,589 mi
2017	84%	19,182	57,186 mi
2016	83%	19,435	69,725 mi
2015	81%	24,364	79,658 mi
2014	79%	47,163	87,407 mi
2013	78%	47,851	91,885 mi
2012	76%	28,728	96,866 mi
2011	73%	23,998	106,807 mi
2010	72%	32,021	108,515 mi
2009	70%	18,589	107,690 mi
2008	69%	27,404	113,639 mi
2007	68%	22,972	114,567 mi
2006	69%	15,366	117,052 mi
2005	69%	10,501	117,280 mi
2004	70%	8,351	117,412 mi
2003	69%	4,657	117,922 mi
2002	71%	2,799	121,379 mi
2001	71%	1,295	121,885 mi
2000	66%	452	133,027 mi
1999	65%	219	123,366 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2003 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

+2%

Honda Civic

2004 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

+1%

Vauxhall Astra

2004 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

71%

same

Volkswagen Polo

2002 · 1400cc Diesel

£2,144/year

68%

-3%

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About the 2002 Vauxhall Zafira

The 2002 Vauxhall Zafira is a family car. Our records list a 1900cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,799 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 121,379 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Zafira owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 Vauxhall Zafira Fuel Costs

The 1900cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Zafira?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Vauxhall Zafira Reliability Trend

Newer Vauxhall Zafiras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2002 Vauxhall Zafira

At 24 years old, the Vauxhall Zafira 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 86%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 121k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 Zafira 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 Zafira(2002)	71%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2003)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Honda Civic(2004)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Astra(2004)	71%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283
Volkswagen Polo(2002)	68%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£2,144-£83

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 Zafira

Is the 2002 Vauxhall Zafira reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 2002 Vauxhall Zafiras ended in a pass, from 2,799 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 Vauxhall Zafira cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Vauxhall Zafira?

71% of 2,799 MOT tests on the 2002 Vauxhall Zafira ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 236th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom half).

Which year Vauxhall Zafira has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Vauxhall Zafira has the highest MOT pass rate at 86% and the 1999 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 Zafira?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Vauxhall Zafira is 121,379 miles, 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.