Skoda

Skoda Superb (2002)

947 real MOT outcomes analysed • 74% first-time pass rate

2002 Skoda Superb

CarHunch analysed 947 real MOT records for the 2002 Skoda Superb. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2002 Skoda Superb trails the UK average by 6 percentage points with a 74% first-time pass rate, and that's a concern worth taking seriously — over one in five of these cars (22.3%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point. Diesel versions fare worse at 72.5% versus petrol at 77.5%, so fuel type matters if you're choosing between examples.

At 107,000 miles median mileage, these are well-used 22-year-old cars, which explains why they average 3.73 failures and 15.6 advisories per test. The high advisory count suggests worn suspension, lighting, and trim items are common — not deal-breakers, but budget for remedial work. If you're seriously considering one, get a full pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers steering and braking, where the dangerous defect rate flags genuine safety risk.

The 2002 Skoda Superb has a below-average first-time pass rate (74% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
74%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
22.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
3.73
Over 13.3 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
107k
Middle half: 83k–134k
For context
⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 15.6 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 947 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

What tends to go wrong

Across 947 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 66.8%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 40.7%
Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated · Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 34.7%
Oil leak · Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components · Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay · …
Lighting 19.1%
Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2002.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 947 Skoda Superb cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2002 Skoda Superb

Based on MOT data from 947 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 22.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (70%) 663 72.5% 3.95
Petrol (29%) 278 77.5% 3.19

Colour Breakdown

Based on 80,370 Skoda Superb vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 25.4%
20,438
Silver 17.3%
13,903
Black 16.5%
13,235
Blue 15%
12,070
White 11.9%
9,555
Beige 4.5%
3,580
Maroon 2.5%
2,045
Red 2.3%
1,863
Green 1.7%
1,386
Purple 1.5%
1,187
Brown 1.3%
1,068
Gold 0%
40

Mileage Distribution

Most 2002 Skoda Superb vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

107,152
typical
83,313
low mileage
133,659
high mileage

Half of all 2002 Skoda Superb vehicles fall between 83,313 and 133,659 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 83,313 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
83,313–133,659 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2002 Skoda Superbs sit.
Over 180,439 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2002 Skoda Superb — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 6% of 2002 Skoda Superbs are still active.

Numbers are declining — 30 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (6% of peak).

513 30 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

13.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.73
Avg failures per vehicle
15.6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Skoda Superb: All Superb years → Which year to buy? →
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

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Buyer beware — pass it on