KIA SORENTO (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,065 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
1,065
Avg Mileage
115,317 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 2004 KIA SORENTO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 20 years old, 65% of KIA SORENTOs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,065 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,317 miles.
How does the 2004 KIA SORENTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 KIA SORENTO has 115,317 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 KIA SORENTO?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2004 sits between the two at 65%.
How much does a 2004 KIA SORENTO 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.
KIA SORENTO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 92% | 797 | 36,475 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 5,231 | 43,737 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 5,394 | 52,871 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 5,869 | 60,803 mi |
| 2016 | 84% | 5,714 | 72,775 mi |
| 2015 | 83% | 7,581 | 79,583 mi |
| 2014 | 79% | 5,512 | 87,900 mi |
| 2013 | 77% | 4,199 | 97,498 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 3,653 | 105,666 mi |
| 2011 | 75% | 3,283 | 110,486 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 3,463 | 113,933 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 2,396 | 107,820 mi |
| 2008 | 70% | 1,936 | 108,273 mi |
| 2007 | 72% | 2,670 | 112,654 mi |
| 2006 | 67% | 3,595 | 117,298 mi |
| 2005 | 66% | 1,973 | 116,648 mi |
| 2004 | 65% | 1,065 | 115,317 mi |
| 2003 | 65% | 407 | 120,995 mi |
Checking a specific KIA SORENTO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 KIA SORENTO
The 2004 KIA SORENTO is a performance with a 3497cc petrol engine. 1,065 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 115,317 miles at 20 years old, KIA SORENTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 KIA SORENTO Fuel Costs
The 3497cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2004 KIA SORENTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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.
KIA SORENTO Reliability Trend
Newer KIA SORENTOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 KIA SORENTO
At 20 years old, the KIA SORENTO 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 92%.
Alternatives to the 2004 KIA SORENTO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- LAND ROVER FREELANDER (2006) 70% pass rate (+5%) from 12,591 tests
- MERCEDES E (2004) 78% pass rate (+13%) from 8,333 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2005) 86% pass rate (+21%) from 6,992 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (2006) 90% pass rate (+25%) from 6,184 tests