CarCostCheck

VOLKSWAGEN BORA (2002)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,597 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,957

£163/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1595cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol1595cc24 years old1,597 tests149k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1595cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137
Road Tax

Based on 1595cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£1,957
Per month£163/mo
Per week£38/wk

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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.

At 24 years old, 76% of VOLKSWAGEN BORAs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,597 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 149,145 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars143th of 403(top 35%)
Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models853th of 1,118(top 76%)
vs national average-6%(82% avg)
vs 2002 cars average+3%(73% avg)
vs VOLKSWAGEN average-9%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

149,145

Average miles

vs

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BORA has 149,145 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2003 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2002 sits between the two at 76%.

VOLKSWAGEN BORA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200669%434136,602 mi
200574%2,751140,126 mi
200475%2,156141,141 mi
200376%1,989147,514 mi
200276%1,597149,145 mi
200176%904140,916 mi
200072%667135,857 mi
199966%631129,709 mi

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About the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BORA

The 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BORA is a small family car with a 1595cc petrol engine. 1,597 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 149,145 miles at 24 years old, VOLKSWAGEN BORA owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2002 VOLKSWAGEN BORA Fuel Costs

The 1595cc 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 VOLKSWAGEN BORA?

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 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VOLKSWAGEN BORA Reliability Trend

The VOLKSWAGEN BORA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BORA

At 24 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN BORA 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 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BORA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 149k 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 VOLKSWAGEN BORA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
VOLKSWAGEN BORA(2002)76%£1137£265Grp 12-25£1957
MINI MINI(2004)71%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£130
FORD FOCUS(2004)69%£1137£135Grp 12-25£2027+£70
FORD FIESTA(2003)71%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1722-£235
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004)67%£1137£30Grp 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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Related Guides

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