FIAT PANDA (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,917 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
4,917
Avg Mileage
81,345 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 2004 FIAT PANDA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 20 years old, 66% of FIAT PANDAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,917 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 81,345 miles.
How does the 2004 FIAT PANDA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 FIAT PANDA has 81,345 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 FIAT PANDA?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 66%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2004 FIAT PANDA 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.
FIAT PANDA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 127 | 20,407 mi |
| 2020 | 94% | 2,120 | 20,195 mi |
| 2019 | 88% | 3,819 | 25,239 mi |
| 2018 | 87% | 4,058 | 30,276 mi |
| 2017 | 85% | 5,451 | 35,891 mi |
| 2016 | 83% | 7,605 | 42,126 mi |
| 2015 | 81% | 12,616 | 49,867 mi |
| 2014 | 80% | 12,902 | 56,982 mi |
| 2013 | 79% | 12,679 | 62,830 mi |
| 2012 | 77% | 10,726 | 63,247 mi |
| 2011 | 73% | 9,358 | 67,269 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 15,920 | 71,228 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 17,759 | 73,003 mi |
| 2008 | 70% | 8,825 | 78,699 mi |
| 2007 | 69% | 9,427 | 81,587 mi |
| 2006 | 67% | 7,416 | 83,111 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 5,600 | 83,662 mi |
| 2004 | 66% | 4,917 | 81,345 mi |
| 2003 | 70% | 135 | 81,432 mi |
| 1995 | 61% | 33 | 49,142 mi |
| 1994 | 72% | 92 | 62,450 mi |
| 1993 | 71% | 170 | 68,567 mi |
| 1992 | 73% | 150 | 63,541 mi |
| 1991 | 71% | 111 | 71,698 mi |
| 1990 | 72% | 130 | 67,835 mi |
Checking a specific FIAT PANDA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 FIAT PANDA
The 2004 FIAT PANDA is a small family car with a 1248cc petrol engine. 4,917 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 86% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 81,345 miles at 20 years old, FIAT PANDA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 FIAT PANDA Fuel Costs
The 1248cc 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 FIAT PANDA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,922 (£160/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FIAT PANDA Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT PANDAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 FIAT PANDA
At 20 years old, the FIAT PANDA 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.
Alternatives to the 2004 FIAT PANDA
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 (+7%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+5%) from 45,707 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (+5%) from 35,054 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2006) 68% pass rate (+2%) from 34,523 tests