Used car guide

2002 Volkswagen Bora: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Volkswagen Boras, from 645 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

645MOT tests in 2025
61%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 60%)
5,900typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for drive shaft (cv) joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2002 Volkswagen Boras than on all cars registered in 2002.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
    Volkswagen Bora
    15% All 2002 cars
    6.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Flexible brake hoses1.9× usual
    Volkswagen Bora
    11.8% All 2002 cars
    6.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

  • Steering rack2.9× usual
    Volkswagen Bora
    5.6% All 2002 cars
    1.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 2002 Volkswagen Bora MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    48% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    48% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    32% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    29% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    21% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Looking at a Volkswagen Bora?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20051,157Suspension 48%
2004831Suspension 50%
2003787Suspension 49%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 Volkswagen Boras registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score