Hyundai Santa Fe (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,054 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2655cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol2655cc22 years old1,054 tests119k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2655cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,958

Per month£247/mo

Per week£57/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Hyundai brand average of 83%.

70% of MOT tests on Hyundai Santa Fes from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 1,054 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 119,124 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models310th of 470(bottom half)

Rank among Hyundai models347th of 414(bottom 17%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-2%(72% avg)

vs Hyundai average-13%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

119,124

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe had 119,124 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2004 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Hyundai Santa Fe by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	1,002	29,234 mi
2020	94%	1,279	35,189 mi
2019	89%	2,285	43,694 mi
2018	90%	3,459	52,064 mi
2017	88%	4,595	61,527 mi
2016	86%	7,907	67,815 mi
2015	85%	5,704	76,900 mi
2014	79%	4,992	88,159 mi
2013	76%	2,963	95,138 mi
2012	74%	6,090	103,389 mi
2011	72%	6,616	113,847 mi
2010	72%	6,348	118,050 mi
2009	73%	1,368	112,515 mi
2008	72%	1,527	121,485 mi
2007	72%	2,446	126,098 mi
2006	69%	2,452	115,781 mi
2005	69%	1,436	122,489 mi
2004	70%	1,054	119,124 mi
2003	68%	620	117,994 mi
2002	69%	254	114,308 mi
2001	61%	138	99,758 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+8%

Nissan X-Trail

2006 · 2488cc Petrol

£3,158/year

67%

-3%

BMW X3

2006 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+8%

Mercedes SLK

2004 · 2295cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+8%

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About the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe is a large car. Our records list a 2655cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,054 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 119,124 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Hyundai Santa Fe owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Costs

The 2655cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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.

Hyundai Santa Fe Reliability Trend

Newer Hyundai Santa Fes pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe

At 22 years old, the Hyundai Santa Fe 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 94%.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 119k 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 Hyundai Santa Fe 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
Hyundai Santa Fe(2004)	70%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958
Mercedes E(2005)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958same
Nissan X-Trail(2006)	67%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£3,158+£200
BMW X3(2006)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958same
Mercedes SLK(2004)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958same

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 Hyundai Santa Fe

Is the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2004 Hyundai Santa Fes ended in a pass, from 1,054 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 Hyundai Santa Fe?

70% of 1,054 MOT tests on the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 310th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).

Which year Hyundai Santa Fe has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2001 the lowest at 61%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe is 119,124 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.