Is the 2004 AUDI A4 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of AUDI A4s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 12,946 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 AUDI A4 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), including £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 AUDI A4?

The 2004 AUDI A4 has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 12,946 tests in 2026. This ranks 218 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year AUDI A4 is most reliable?

The 2021 AUDI A4 has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%. The least reliable year is 1995 at 61%.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 AUDI A4?

The average mileage for a 2004 AUDI A4 is 146,260 miles, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

AUDI A4 (2004)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 12,946 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2496cc Diesel

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Diesel2496cc22 years old12,946 tests146k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2496cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 2496cc

£395

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,195

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.

At 22 years old, 74% of AUDI A4s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 12,946 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 146,260 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars218th of 491(top 44%)

Rank among AUDI models1032th of 1,079(top 96%)

vs national average-8%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average+2%(72% avg)

vs AUDI average-16%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

146,260

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 AUDI A4 has 146,260 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2004 sits between the two at 74%.

AUDI A4 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	96%	531	25,826 mi
2020	92%	13,420	39,596 mi
2019	91%	25,771	48,333 mi
2018	89%	27,431	57,063 mi
2017	88%	41,848	70,662 mi
2016	85%	41,258	82,779 mi
2015	85%	31,961	92,608 mi
2014	84%	33,458	102,945 mi
2013	84%	32,559	109,938 mi
2012	83%	26,765	120,869 mi
2011	82%	26,901	130,117 mi
2010	80%	25,855	136,452 mi
2009	79%	26,384	138,021 mi
2008	78%	31,415	137,710 mi
2007	77%	30,996	136,433 mi
2006	76%	26,758	137,214 mi
2005	75%	15,245	139,515 mi
2004	74%	12,946	146,260 mi
2003	74%	7,402	148,576 mi
2002	72%	3,944	156,746 mi
2001	74%	1,748	148,131 mi
2000	76%	1,674	149,460 mi
1999	76%	2,062	160,008 mi
1998	75%	1,597	153,893 mi
1997	74%	842	161,934 mi
1996	77%	556	158,416 mi
1995	61%	208	153,421 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

HONDA CIVIC

2006 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,050/year

71%

-3%

BMW 3 SERIES

2005 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,050/year

78%

+4%

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

2006 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,050/year

73%

-1%

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

2006 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,050/year

78%

+4%

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About the 2004 AUDI A4

The 2004 AUDI A4 is a premium with a 2496cc diesel engine. 12,946 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 146,260 miles at 22 years old, AUDI A4 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 AUDI A4 Fuel Costs

The 2496cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2004 AUDI A4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

AUDI A4 Reliability Trend

Newer AUDI A4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 AUDI A4

At 22 years old, the AUDI A4 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 12,946 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 AUDI A4's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 146k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn 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 risk

Always 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 A4 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
AUDI A4(2004)	74%	£1245	£395	Grp 25-38	£2195
HONDA CIVIC(2006)	71%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
BMW 3 SERIES(2005)	78%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£2050-£145
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2006)	73%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006)	78%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145

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.