Chrysler PT Cruiser (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 450 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Petrol1995cc22 years old450 tests99k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1995cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,711

Per month£226/mo

Per week£52/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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Chrysler brand average of 74%.

69% of MOT tests on Chrysler PT Cruisers from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 450 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 98,727 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models342nd of 470(bottom half)

Rank among Chrysler models60th of 77(bottom 24%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-3%(72% avg)

vs Chrysler average-5%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

98,727

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser had 98,727 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 2008 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2004 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Chrysler PT Cruiser by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2008	77%	172	90,229 mi
2007	71%	1,024	78,052 mi
2006	70%	909	79,709 mi
2005	70%	619	94,204 mi
2004	69%	450	98,727 mi
2003	68%	387	94,435 mi
2002	73%	213	103,406 mi
2001	72%	165	98,128 mi
2000	71%	65	94,335 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2006 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

+4%

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+2%

BMW 3 Series

2006 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+11%

Renault Clio

2006 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

68%

-1%

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About the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

The 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a family car. Our records list a 1995cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 450 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 98,727 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Chrysler PT Cruiser owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Fuel Costs

The 1995cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Reliability Trend

The Chrysler PT Cruiser has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

At 22 years old, the Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 2008 model has the highest pass rate at 77%.

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.

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 99k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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
Chrysler PT Cruiser(2004)	69%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711
Ford Focus(2006)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
BMW 3 Series(2006)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361-£350
Renault Clio(2006)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711same

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 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Is the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2004 Chrysler PT Cruisers ended in a pass, from 450 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

69% of 450 MOT tests on the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 342nd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).

Which year Chrysler PT Cruiser has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 2003 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser is 98,727 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.