HYUNDAI MATRIX (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,253 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,825
£152/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1599cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £1825/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1599cc
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 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 21 years old, 65% of HYUNDAI MATRIXs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,253 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,632 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
83,632
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 HYUNDAI MATRIX has 83,632 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 2004 model with a 75% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2005 sits between the two at 65%.
HYUNDAI MATRIX by Year
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About the 2005 HYUNDAI MATRIX
The 2005 HYUNDAI MATRIX is a small family car with a 1599cc diesel engine. 1,253 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 91% of 2005 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 83,632 miles at 21 years old, HYUNDAI MATRIX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 HYUNDAI MATRIX Fuel Costs
The 1599cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 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 2005 HYUNDAI MATRIX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,825 (£152/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
HYUNDAI MATRIX Reliability Trend
The HYUNDAI MATRIX has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 HYUNDAI MATRIX
At 21 years old, the HYUNDAI MATRIX 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 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 HYUNDAI MATRIX'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.
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
Medium riskWith an average of 84k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 65% 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 2005 HYUNDAI MATRIX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYUNDAI MATRIX(2005) | 65% | £905 | £165 | Grp 12-25 | £1825 |
| FORD FIESTA(2007) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£335 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2007) | 73% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£98 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2007) | 71% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£98 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2007) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£335 |
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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