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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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2402cc
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
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?
Mileage Analysis
120,795
Average miles
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
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 323 | 35,036 mi | |
| 2020 | 93% | 396 | 37,700 mi | |
| 2019 | 84% | 4,596 | 70,103 mi | |
| 2018 | 83% | 33,964 | 82,895 mi | |
| 2017 | 81% | 80,031 | 91,785 mi | |
| 2016 | 80% | 78,382 | 102,215 mi | |
| 2015 | 78% | 69,792 | 114,311 mi | |
| 2014 | 77% | 59,048 | 121,986 mi | |
| 2013 | 74% | 41,052 | 129,239 mi | |
| 2012 | 71% | 30,494 | 135,773 mi | |
| 2011 | 70% | 37,679 | 144,725 mi | |
| 2010 | 69% | 31,633 | 149,702 mi | |
| 2009 | 69% | 22,453 | 145,382 mi | |
| 2008 | 69% | 24,707 | 141,767 mi | |
| 2007 | 70% | 19,383 | 141,931 mi | |
| 2006 | 70% | 11,184 | 133,893 mi | |
| 2005 | 70% | 5,914 | 122,440 mi | |
| 2004 | 70% | 4,246 | 120,795 mi | |
| 2003 | 68% | 4,430 | 128,589 mi | |
| 2002 | 71% | 3,715 | 128,093 mi | |
| 2001 | 71% | 2,701 | 124,676 mi | |
| 2000 | 73% | 1,926 | 117,269 mi | |
| 1999 | 73% | 3,048 | 105,293 mi | |
| 1998 | 72% | 3,080 | 107,320 mi | |
| 1997 | 71% | 2,561 | 109,450 mi | |
| 1996 | 72% | 2,488 | 111,525 mi | |
| 1995 | 72% | 2,214 | 102,420 mi | |
| 1994 | 72% | 1,403 | 70,530 mi | |
| 1993 | 73% | 621 | 65,259 mi | |
| 1992 | 66% | 888 | 58,057 mi | |
| 1991 | 69% | 851 | 58,872 mi | |
| 1990 | 71% | 1,042 | 58,958 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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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 outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 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 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 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.
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 TRANSIT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD TRANSIT(2004) | 70% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2195 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2006) | 71% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2006) | 73% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2006) | 81% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 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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