DAEWOO KALOS (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 640 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,087
£174/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1399cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2087/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1399cc
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.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%.
At 22 years old, 65% of DAEWOO KALOSs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 640 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,581 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
72,581
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 DAEWOO KALOS has 72,581 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2005 model with a 71% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2004 sits between the two at 65%.
DAEWOO KALOS by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 DAEWOO KALOS
The 2004 DAEWOO KALOS is a small family car with a 1399cc petrol engine. 640 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 91% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 72,581 miles at 22 years old, DAEWOO KALOS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2004 DAEWOO KALOS Fuel Costs
The 1399cc 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 DAEWOO KALOS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,087 (£174/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
DAEWOO KALOS Reliability Trend
The DAEWOO KALOS has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 DAEWOO KALOS
At 22 years old, the DAEWOO KALOS 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 2005 model has the highest pass rate at 71%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 DAEWOO KALOS'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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 DAEWOO KALOS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAEWOO KALOS(2004) | 65% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £2087 |
| FORD FOCUS(2006) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£260 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£260 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2006) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£220 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2006) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£365 |
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.
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