HONDA CIVIC (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 20,938 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
20,938
Avg Mileage
113,431 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 2004 HONDA CIVIC reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HONDA brand average of 84%.
At 20 years old, 72% of HONDA CIVICs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 20,938 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 113,431 miles.
How does the 2004 HONDA CIVIC compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 HONDA CIVIC has 113,431 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 HONDA CIVIC?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2004 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 2004 HONDA CIVIC 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.
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 |
Checking a specific HONDA CIVIC?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 HONDA CIVIC
The 2004 HONDA CIVIC is a family car with a 1686cc diesel engine. 20,938 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 113,431 miles at 20 years old, 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 £1,037 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 HONDA CIVIC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 HONDA CIVIC
At 20 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.
Alternatives to the 2004 HONDA CIVIC
The HONDA CIVIC is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel family cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2006) 70% pass rate (-2%) from 81,463 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2006) 72% pass rate (same) from 60,321 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2006) 70% pass rate (-2%) from 44,771 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2006) 68% pass rate (-4%) from 39,766 tests