Kia Sorento (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,065 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,503

£292/month

MOT Pass Rate

65%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3497cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

65% pass rate, £3,503/year to run. 17 points below average.

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Petrol3497cc22 years old1,065 tests115k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3497cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,503

Per month£292/mo

Per week£67/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

65% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Kia brand average of 86%.

65% of MOT tests on Kia Sorentos from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 1,065 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 115,317 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models422nd of 470(bottom 11%)

Rank among Kia models459th of 471(bottom 3%)

vs average of all models-17%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-7%(72% avg)

vs Kia average-21%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

115,317

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Kia Sorento had 115,317 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.

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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 92%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2004 scores 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Freelander

2006 · 3192cc Petrol

£3,303/year

70%

+5%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

+13%

Porsche Boxster

2005 · 3197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+21%

Porsche 911

2006 · 3824cc Petrol

£3,003/year

90%

+25%

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About the 2004 Kia Sorento

The 2004 Kia Sorento is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3497cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,065 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 11% of 2004 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 115,317 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 Kia Sorento?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,503 (£292/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 15 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Kia Sorento

At 22 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%.

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 115k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With 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 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 Kia Sorento 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
Kia Sorento(2004)	65%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,503
Land Rover Freelander(2006)	70%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303-£200
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303-£200
Porsche Boxster(2005)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£350
Porsche 911(2006)	90%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003-£500

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 Kia Sorento

Is the 2004 Kia Sorento reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 2004 Kia Sorentos ended in a pass, from 1,065 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Kia Sorento cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,503 a year (£292 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Kia Sorento?

65% of 1,065 MOT tests on the 2004 Kia Sorento ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 422nd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom 11%).

Which year Kia Sorento has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Kia Sorento has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2003 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Kia Sorento?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Kia Sorento is 115,317 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.