CarCostCheck

FORD TRANSIT (2004)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,246 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2402cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Diesel2402cc22 years old4,246 tests121k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2402cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2402cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,195
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 22 years old, 70% of FORD TRANSITs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,246 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,795 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars320th of 491(top 65%)
Rank among FORD models1054th of 1,167(top 90%)
vs national average-12%(82% avg)
vs 2004 cars average-2%(72% avg)
vs FORD average-15%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

120,795

Average miles

vs

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 FORD TRANSIT has 120,795 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 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2004 sits between the two at 70%.

FORD TRANSIT by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202189%32335,036 mi
202093%39637,700 mi
201984%4,59670,103 mi
201883%33,96482,895 mi
201781%80,03191,785 mi
201680%78,382102,215 mi
201578%69,792114,311 mi
201477%59,048121,986 mi
201374%41,052129,239 mi
201271%30,494135,773 mi
201170%37,679144,725 mi
201069%31,633149,702 mi
200969%22,453145,382 mi
200869%24,707141,767 mi
200770%19,383141,931 mi
200670%11,184133,893 mi
200570%5,914122,440 mi
200470%4,246120,795 mi
200368%4,430128,589 mi
200271%3,715128,093 mi
200171%2,701124,676 mi
200073%1,926117,269 mi
199973%3,048105,293 mi
199872%3,080107,320 mi
199771%2,561109,450 mi
199672%2,488111,525 mi
199572%2,214102,420 mi
199472%1,40370,530 mi
199373%62165,259 mi
199266%88858,057 mi
199169%85158,872 mi
199071%1,04258,958 mi

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About the 2004 FORD TRANSIT

The 2004 FORD TRANSIT is a large car with a 2402cc diesel engine. 4,246 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 120,795 miles at 22 years old, FORD TRANSIT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 FORD TRANSIT Fuel Costs

The 2402cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 TRANSIT?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

FORD TRANSIT Reliability Trend

Newer FORD TRANSITs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 FORD TRANSIT

At 22 years old, the FORD TRANSIT 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

Common Issues to Watch For

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

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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

Watch out

With an average of 121k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
FORD TRANSIT(2004)70%£1245£395Grp 25-38£2195
HONDA CIVIC(2006)71%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2006)73%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006)78%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2006)81%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£295

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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