Audi S4 (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 202 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4163cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4163cc22 years old202 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4163cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Audi brand average of 90%.

81% of MOT tests on Audi S4s from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 202 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 99,762 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models104th of 470(top 23%)

Rank among Audi models945th of 1,066(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+9%(72% avg)

vs Audi average-9%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

99,762

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Audi S4 had 99,762 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2004 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Audi S4 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2017	94%	69	57,456 mi
2015	92%	39	65,685 mi
2014	86%	170	83,424 mi
2013	94%	189	90,972 mi
2012	92%	78	82,804 mi
2011	87%	277	94,642 mi
2010	90%	277	101,140 mi
2009	91%	216	92,422 mi
2007	82%	126	83,877 mi
2006	78%	263	110,513 mi
2005	80%	169	99,307 mi
2004	81%	202	99,762 mi
2000	85%	59	152,811 mi
1999	85%	142	161,691 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Range Rover

2006 · 4197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

80%

-1%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2005 · 4394cc Petrol

£3,153/year

82%

+1%

Porsche 911

2006 · 3824cc Petrol

£3,003/year

90%

+9%

Volvo XC90

2006 · 4414cc Petrol

£3,303/year

73%

-8%

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About the 2004 Audi S4

The 2004 Audi S4 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4163cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 202 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2004 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 99,762 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi S4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 Audi S4 Fuel Costs

The 4163cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 Audi S4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Audi S4 Reliability Trend

Newer Audi S4s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Audi S4

At 22 years old, the Audi S4 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 100k 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.

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 S4 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Audi S4(2004)	81%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Land Rover Range Rover(2006)	80%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2005)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Porsche 911(2006)	90%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003-£150
Volvo XC90(2006)	73%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2004 Audi S4

Is the 2004 Audi S4 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2004 Audi S4s ended in a pass, from 202 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Audi S4 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Audi S4?

81% of 202 MOT tests on the 2004 Audi S4 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 104th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top 23%).

Which year Audi S4 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 Audi S4 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2006 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Audi S4?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Audi S4 is 99,762 miles, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.