FORD MONDEO (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 7,419 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
2000cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 2000cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 22 years old, 69% of FORD MONDEOs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 7,419 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 121,520 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
121,520
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 FORD MONDEO has 121,520 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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2004 sits between the two at 69%.
FORD MONDEO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 94% | 80 | 54,644 mi | |
| 2021 | 89% | 1,710 | 39,889 mi | |
| 2020 | 89% | 3,652 | 50,239 mi | |
| 2019 | 90% | 7,466 | 61,857 mi | |
| 2018 | 90% | 11,913 | 73,505 mi | |
| 2017 | 88% | 18,073 | 84,027 mi | |
| 2016 | 87% | 26,925 | 92,893 mi | |
| 2015 | 86% | 29,704 | 100,819 mi | |
| 2014 | 80% | 20,850 | 117,891 mi | |
| 2013 | 78% | 22,767 | 125,216 mi | |
| 2012 | 78% | 29,196 | 125,913 mi | |
| 2011 | 77% | 24,537 | 131,601 mi | |
| 2010 | 75% | 29,714 | 132,388 mi | |
| 2009 | 74% | 29,480 | 135,619 mi | |
| 2008 | 72% | 28,655 | 139,585 mi | |
| 2007 | 71% | 22,117 | 133,332 mi | |
| 2006 | 71% | 13,543 | 124,230 mi | |
| 2005 | 69% | 11,436 | 124,025 mi | |
| 2004 | 69% | 7,419 | 121,520 mi | |
| 2003 | 68% | 4,276 | 116,650 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 3,281 | 115,320 mi | |
| 2001 | 69% | 2,982 | 115,470 mi | |
| 2000 | 70% | 1,210 | 105,568 mi | |
| 1999 | 71% | 1,232 | 100,805 mi | |
| 1998 | 72% | 794 | 104,643 mi | |
| 1997 | 71% | 552 | 100,239 mi | |
| 1996 | 73% | 574 | 95,491 mi | |
| 1995 | 69% | 426 | 96,846 mi | |
| 1994 | 76% | 255 | 97,557 mi | |
| 1993 | 83% | 217 | 97,667 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 FORD MONDEO
The 2004 FORD MONDEO is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 7,419 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight 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 121,520 miles at 22 years old, FORD MONDEO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 FORD MONDEO Fuel Costs
The 2000cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 MONDEO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FORD MONDEO Reliability Trend
Newer FORD MONDEOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 FORD MONDEO
At 22 years old, the FORD MONDEO 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 7,419 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 FORD MONDEO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger 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 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 122k 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 69% 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 FORD MONDEO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD MONDEO(2004) | 69% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| FORD FOCUS(2006) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2006) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£530 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2006) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£180 |
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.
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