Is the 2004 FORD CARDINAL reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 93% of FORD CARDINALs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 30 tests. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 FORD CARDINAL cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 FORD CARDINAL?

The 2004 FORD CARDINAL has a 93% MOT pass rate based on 30 tests in 2026. This ranks 28 out of 491 cars from 2004.

FORD CARDINAL (2004)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2004 FORD CARDINAL?

The average mileage for a 2004 FORD CARDINAL is 88,837 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 30 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,607

£217/month

MOT Pass Rate

93%

Excellent

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3984cc Petrol

Great Choice

93% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 11 points above average.

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Petrol3984cc22 years old30 tests89k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3984cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 3984cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,607

Per month£217/mo

Per week£50/wk

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

93% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 22 years old, 93% of FORD CARDINALs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 88,837 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars28th of 491(top 6%)

Rank among FORD models323th of 1,167(top 28%)

vs national average+11%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average+21%(72% avg)

vs FORD average+8%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

88,837

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 FORD CARDINAL has 88,837 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Similar Cars to Consider

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER

2006 · 4197cc Petrol

£2,247/year

80%

-13%

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT

2005 · 4394cc Petrol

£2,247/year

82%

-11%

PORSCHE 911

2006 · 3824cc Petrol

£2,097/year

90%

-3%

VOLVO XC90

2006 · 4414cc Petrol

£2,397/year

73%

-20%

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About the 2004 FORD CARDINAL

The 2004 FORD CARDINAL is a performance with a 3984cc petrol engine. 30 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2004 cars for reliability.

With an average of 88,837 miles at 22 years old, FORD CARDINAL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 FORD CARDINAL Fuel Costs

The 3984cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 FORD CARDINAL?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Buying a Used 2004 FORD CARDINAL

At 22 years old, the FORD CARDINAL 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 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 FORD CARDINAL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 89k 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.

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 FORD CARDINAL stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FORD CARDINAL(2004)	93%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2607
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2006)	80%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2005)	82%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360
PORSCHE 911(2006)	90%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2097-£510
VOLVO XC90(2006)	73%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£210

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.