AUDI A2 (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,922 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1390cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 10 points below average.
Check a specific AUDI A2
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1390cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this AUDI A2
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.
At 22 years old, 72% of AUDI A2s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,922 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 130,220 miles.
Got a AUDI A2 you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
130,220
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 AUDI A2 has 130,220 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Looking at a specific AUDI A2?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2002 model with a 72% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2004 sits between the two at 72%.
AUDI A2 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Audi A2
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2004 AUDI A2
The 2004 AUDI A2 is a premium with a 1390cc petrol engine. 2,922 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 130,220 miles at 22 years old, AUDI A2 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 AUDI A2 Fuel Costs
The 1390cc 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 2004 AUDI A2?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
AUDI A2 Reliability Trend
The AUDI A2 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 AUDI A2
At 22 years old, the AUDI A2 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 2002 model has the highest pass rate at 72%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 AUDI A2's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 130k 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 riskAlways 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 2004 AUDI A2 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI A2(2004) | 72% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| FORD FOCUS(2006) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2006) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£20 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2006) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
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.
Related Audi Models
Explore other Audi cars or similar models in the same category.
AUDI A3
2015 · 1598cc Diesel
AUDI A1
2016 · 1395cc Petrol
AUDI A4
2017 · 1968cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2006 · 1596cc Petrol
MINI MINI
2005 · 1598cc Petrol
BMW 3 SERIES
2006 · 1796cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Audi A2.
Cars That Lose Value Fastest: Models to Avoid for Depreciation
8 min read
Buying GuideIs an Extended Car Warranty Worth It? UK Guide for 2026
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific AUDI A2
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a AUDI A2? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data