CITROEN XSARA (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,455 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
5,455
Avg Mileage
114,026 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2004 CITROEN XSARA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 20 years old, 68% of CITROEN XSARAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,455 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 114,026 miles.
How does the 2004 CITROEN XSARA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 CITROEN XSARA has 114,026 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a CITROEN XSARA?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 72% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2004 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 2004 CITROEN XSARA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
CITROEN XSARA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 72% | 2,318 | 92,813 mi |
| 2009 | 71% | 4,248 | 94,809 mi |
| 2008 | 67% | 5,348 | 101,789 mi |
| 2007 | 67% | 9,515 | 104,291 mi |
| 2006 | 68% | 10,059 | 102,625 mi |
| 2005 | 66% | 6,241 | 108,979 mi |
| 2004 | 68% | 5,455 | 114,026 mi |
| 2003 | 66% | 3,664 | 117,235 mi |
| 2002 | 68% | 2,613 | 112,057 mi |
| 2001 | 66% | 1,687 | 115,502 mi |
| 2000 | 67% | 464 | 107,932 mi |
| 1999 | 67% | 218 | 88,392 mi |
| 1998 | 69% | 271 | 94,084 mi |
Checking a specific CITROEN XSARA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 CITROEN XSARA
The 2004 CITROEN XSARA is a family car with a 1749cc petrol engine. 5,455 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 77% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 114,026 miles at 20 years old, CITROEN XSARA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 CITROEN XSARA Fuel Costs
The 1749cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 CITROEN XSARA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
CITROEN XSARA Reliability Trend
The CITROEN XSARA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 CITROEN XSARA
At 20 years old, the CITROEN XSARA 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 72%. With 5,455 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2004 CITROEN XSARA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (+5%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+12%) from 40,353 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 35,054 tests