FORD FIESTA (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 39,183 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
39,183
Avg Mileage
97,910 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,490
Is the 2004 FORD FIESTA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 20 years old, 71% of FORD FIESTAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 39,183 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 97,910 miles.
How does the 2004 FORD FIESTA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 FORD FIESTA has 97,910 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 FIESTA?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2004 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 2004 FORD FIESTA 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.
FORD FIESTA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 93% | 404 | 18,726 mi |
| 2021 | 94% | 6,234 | 22,177 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 34,173 | 29,611 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 124,950 | 34,738 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 157,746 | 42,265 mi |
| 2017 | 85% | 154,616 | 48,995 mi |
| 2016 | 81% | 205,128 | 56,940 mi |
| 2015 | 81% | 225,575 | 63,696 mi |
| 2014 | 79% | 224,536 | 71,010 mi |
| 2013 | 77% | 211,536 | 77,629 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 185,847 | 83,104 mi |
| 2011 | 75% | 161,778 | 90,389 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 165,879 | 95,140 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 180,029 | 96,775 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 109,443 | 95,143 mi |
| 2007 | 72% | 99,442 | 96,164 mi |
| 2006 | 70% | 81,463 | 97,129 mi |
| 2005 | 70% | 48,429 | 97,715 mi |
| 2004 | 71% | 39,183 | 97,910 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 29,898 | 96,816 mi |
| 2002 | 70% | 14,118 | 88,471 mi |
| 2001 | 68% | 4,970 | 72,535 mi |
| 2000 | 67% | 2,809 | 71,739 mi |
| 1999 | 67% | 4,854 | 66,066 mi |
| 1998 | 65% | 4,382 | 56,318 mi |
| 1997 | 66% | 1,926 | 57,252 mi |
| 1996 | 71% | 1,061 | 51,823 mi |
| 1995 | 74% | 859 | 53,478 mi |
| 1994 | 77% | 616 | 50,884 mi |
| 1993 | 69% | 565 | 50,329 mi |
| 1992 | 76% | 545 | 53,988 mi |
| 1991 | 84% | 854 | 51,137 mi |
| 1990 | 83% | 479 | 53,299 mi |
Checking a specific FORD FIESTA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 FORD FIESTA
The 2004 FORD FIESTA is a small family car with a 1399cc diesel engine. 39,183 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 97,910 miles at 20 years old, FORD FIESTA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 FORD FIESTA Fuel Costs
The 1399cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2004 FORD FIESTA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,490 (£124/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD FIESTA Reliability Trend
Newer FORD FIESTAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 FORD FIESTA
At 20 years old, the FORD FIESTA 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 39,183 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2004 FORD FIESTA
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2006) 72% pass rate (+1%) from 60,321 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2006) 70% pass rate (-1%) from 44,771 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2006) 68% pass rate (-3%) from 39,766 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2006) 73% pass rate (+2%) from 30,783 tests