VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,479 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Total Tests (2024)
2,479
Avg Mileage
106,749 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 22 years old, 67% of VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,479 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 106,749 miles.
How does the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE has 106,749 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 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2002 sits between the two at 67%.
How much does a 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 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.
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85% | 1,642 | 36,156 mi |
| 2017 | 83% | 2,903 | 43,575 mi |
| 2016 | 82% | 4,498 | 52,150 mi |
| 2015 | 80% | 6,389 | 58,268 mi |
| 2014 | 79% | 7,334 | 65,889 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 9,521 | 74,053 mi |
| 2012 | 79% | 4,871 | 75,723 mi |
| 2011 | 74% | 1,296 | 77,381 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 4,069 | 82,153 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 3,732 | 87,937 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 5,007 | 93,584 mi |
| 2007 | 67% | 6,111 | 96,440 mi |
| 2006 | 67% | 6,520 | 102,252 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 6,429 | 102,064 mi |
| 2004 | 67% | 7,230 | 107,318 mi |
| 2003 | 65% | 5,254 | 108,762 mi |
| 2002 | 67% | 2,479 | 106,749 mi |
| 2001 | 66% | 2,142 | 102,524 mi |
| 2000 | 66% | 1,513 | 103,321 mi |
| 1999 | 73% | 134 | 78,457 mi |
| 1998 | 79% | 70 | 66,190 mi |
| 1997 | 64% | 83 | 46,829 mi |
| 1991 | 47% | 38 | 34,927 mi |
| 1990 | 71% | 38 | 41,089 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
The 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE is a family car with a 1984cc petrol engine. 2,479 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 106,749 miles at 22 years old, VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE Fuel Costs
The 1984cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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.
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
At 22 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 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 85%.
Alternatives to the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2004) 71% pass rate (+4%) from 36,444 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2004) 69% pass rate (+2%) from 29,927 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2004) 68% pass rate (+1%) from 15,179 tests
- MERCEDES C (2004) 72% pass rate (+5%) from 13,493 tests