2002 · 22 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2002 Volkswagen Bora MOT pass rate and common faults

806 MOT tests in 2024. 60.8% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time60.8%
Failed or needed repairs39.2%
Typical mileage at test142,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 806 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.7%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.2%
  3. Position lamp: not working3.7%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.5%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.3%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.9%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.7%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.6%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.5%
  10. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics28.9%
  2. Brakes23.0%
  3. Suspension22.0%
  4. Body & chassis14.8%
  5. Steering7.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks6.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.1%
  8. Tyres4.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.0%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened13.2%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2002 Volkswagen Bora cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 21)59.2%1,010 tests
2024 pass rate (age 22)60.8%806 tests
Change in one year+1.6 pointsaverage car: +0.5 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2002 Volkswagen Bora is ageing better than an average car, which is a good sign for keeping one longer.

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Volkswagen Bora?

In 2024, 60.8% of 2002 Volkswagen Bora cars passed their MOT first time, across 806 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Volkswagen Bora?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Volkswagen Bora reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2002 Volkswagen Bora getting worse with age?

In 2023, 59.2% passed first time. In 2024, 60.8% passed (+1.6 points). An average car that age changed by +0.5 points, so the 2002 Volkswagen Bora is ageing better than average.