Fiat Ulysse (2004)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 76 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,711
£226/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£325
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1997cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Fiat brand average of 83%.
68% of MOT tests on Fiat Ulysses from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 76 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 124,702 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
124,702
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2004 Fiat Ulysse had 124,702 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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About the 2004 Fiat Ulysse
The 2004 Fiat Ulysse is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 76 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 21% of 2004 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 124,702 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat Ulysse owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 Fiat Ulysse Fuel Costs
The 1997cc 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 Fiat Ulysse?
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 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 2004 Fiat Ulysse
At 22 years old, the Fiat Ulysse 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. Note: with only 76 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 outAt 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 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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 125k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 68% 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 Fiat Ulysse 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat Ulysse(2004) | 68% | £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 Fiat Ulysse
Is the 2004 Fiat Ulysse reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2004 Fiat Ulysses ended in a pass, from 76 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2004 Fiat Ulysse 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 Fiat Ulysse?
68% of 76 MOT tests on the 2004 Fiat Ulysse ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 375th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom 21%).
What is the average mileage for a 2004 Fiat Ulysse?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Fiat Ulysse is 124,702 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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