FORD EXPLORER (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 69 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
69
Avg Mileage
77,520 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 2004 FORD EXPLORER reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 20 years old, 78% of FORD EXPLORERs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 69 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,520 miles.
How does the 2004 FORD EXPLORER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 FORD EXPLORER has 77,520 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 FORD EXPLORER?
The most reliable year is the 2005 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2004 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 2004 FORD EXPLORER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD EXPLORER by Year
Checking a specific FORD EXPLORER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 FORD EXPLORER
The 2004 FORD EXPLORER is a performance with a 4600cc petrol engine. 69 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 77,520 miles at 20 years old, FORD EXPLORER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 FORD EXPLORER Fuel Costs
The 4600cc 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 EXPLORER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD EXPLORER Reliability Trend
Newer FORD EXPLORERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 FORD EXPLORER
At 20 years old, the FORD EXPLORER 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 89%. Note: with only 69 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2004 FORD EXPLORER
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW X5 (2005) 77% pass rate (-1%) from 11,188 tests
- MERCEDES CLK (2004) 76% pass rate (-2%) from 8,352 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (2006) 80% pass rate (+2%) from 8,231 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT (2005) 82% pass rate (+4%) from 8,058 tests