Volkswagen Bora TDI SE (2002)
2002 Volkswagen Bora TDI SE
CarHunch analysed 108 real MOT records for the 2002 Volkswagen Bora TDI SE. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2002 Volkswagen Bora TDI SE is a serious reliability concern: only 39.7% pass their MOT first time, less than half the UK average of 80%. No dangerous defects were recorded across the 108 vehicles analysed, which is one bright spot, but the consistent failure rate tells you this is a high-maintenance prospect.
At nearly 179,000 miles on average, these Boras have covered serious distance, yet they're still accumulating 0.56 failures per vehicle on test—the mileage doesn't excuse the poor results. If you're considering one, budget for regular repair costs and treat any pre-purchase inspection as non-negotiable; a passing MOT history on an older example of this model should be a hard requirement, not a bonus.
What to check before buying a 2002 Volkswagen Bora TDI SE
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Volkswagen Bora TDI SE
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (99%) | 107 | 39.7% | 0.53 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (1%) | 1 | 20% | 4 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2002 Volkswagen Bora TDI SE vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2002 Volkswagen Bora TDI SE vehicles fall between 143,538 and 211,722 miles.
2002 Volkswagen Bora TDI SE — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2024 (23% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2024.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Volkswagen Bora TDI SE?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.
Other model years — Volkswagen Bora TDI SE: