Honda Civic (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 20,938 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1686cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 10 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Honda Civic

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel1686cc22 years old20,938 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1686cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Honda brand average of 84%.

72% of MOT tests on Honda Civics from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 20,938 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 113,431 miles.

Got a Honda Civic you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models248th of 470(bottom half)

Rank among Honda models328th of 402(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+0%(72% avg)

vs Honda average-12%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

113,431

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Honda Civic had 113,431 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

Looking at a specific Honda Civic?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2004 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Honda Civic by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	92%	349	26,594 mi
2020	93%	7,003	31,000 mi
2019	92%	24,222	38,422 mi
2018	90%	26,013	46,367 mi
2017	90%	26,452	51,272 mi
2016	89%	26,607	63,520 mi
2015	87%	24,580	73,001 mi
2014	86%	23,400	81,465 mi
2013	85%	24,777	91,361 mi
2012	83%	21,831	94,140 mi
2011	76%	20,167	92,437 mi
2010	75%	31,308	104,886 mi
2009	74%	36,553	111,499 mi
2008	72%	40,632	118,507 mi
2007	72%	45,025	122,456 mi
2006	71%	28,045	126,100 mi
2005	73%	24,685	110,833 mi
2004	72%	20,938	113,431 mi
2003	70%	14,502	108,344 mi
2002	72%	12,455	110,076 mi
2001	70%	8,335	103,354 mi
2000	77%	2,871	96,666 mi
1999	75%	4,540	98,943 mi
1998	73%	3,450	97,935 mi
1997	72%	2,947	98,250 mi
1996	73%	2,065	99,417 mi
1995	80%	1,223	100,022 mi
1994	80%	781	93,399 mi
1993	88%	427	92,937 mi
1992	87%	297	97,411 mi
1991	83%	581	103,278 mi
1990	79%	253	89,385 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2006 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

-2%

Volkswagen Golf

2006 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

same

Vauxhall Astra

2006 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

-2%

Volkswagen Polo

2006 · 1400cc Diesel

£2,144/year

68%

-4%

Check a Specific Honda Civic

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2004 Honda Civic

The 2004 Honda Civic is a family car. Our records list a 1686cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 20,938 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 113,431 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda Civic owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 Honda Civic Fuel Costs

The 1686cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Honda Civic?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Honda Civic Reliability Trend

Newer Honda Civics pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Honda Civic

At 22 years old, the Honda Civic 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%. With 20,938 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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.

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 113k 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.

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 Honda Civic stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Honda Civic(2004)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Ford Fiesta(2006)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£283
Volkswagen Golf(2006)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Astra(2006)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£283
Volkswagen Polo(2006)	68%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£2,144-£83

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2004 Honda Civic

Is the 2004 Honda Civic reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2004 Honda Civics ended in a pass, from 20,938 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Honda Civic cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Honda Civic?

72% of 20,938 MOT tests on the 2004 Honda Civic ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 248th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).

Which year Honda Civic has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Honda Civic has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2001 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Honda Civic?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Honda Civic is 113,431 miles, 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.