Land Rover Discovery (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 12,321 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2495cc Diesel

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Diesel2495cc22 years old12,321 tests153k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2495cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,641

Per month£220/mo

Per week£51/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Land Rover brand average of 90%.

77% of MOT tests on Land Rover Discoverys from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 12,321 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 152,573 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models155th of 470(top half)

Rank among Land Rover models556th of 599(bottom 8%)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+5%(72% avg)

vs Land Rover average-13%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

152,573

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Land Rover Discovery had 152,573 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 1993 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2004 scores 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Land Rover Discovery by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	96%	49	38,552 mi
2020	94%	214	44,873 mi
2019	91%	5,578	59,876 mi
2018	92%	22,325	64,985 mi
2017	90%	26,598	70,439 mi
2016	88%	20,634	84,155 mi
2015	87%	19,128	97,377 mi
2014	86%	15,907	104,968 mi
2013	84%	13,944	115,146 mi
2012	84%	15,207	123,543 mi
2011	83%	13,928	130,567 mi
2010	82%	14,999	136,363 mi
2009	80%	11,739	140,963 mi
2008	80%	10,859	148,481 mi
2007	79%	14,662	151,679 mi
2006	78%	17,245	159,807 mi
2005	78%	17,079	164,007 mi
2004	77%	12,321	152,573 mi
2003	77%	10,616	147,743 mi
2002	77%	8,549	153,912 mi
2001	75%	6,308	153,394 mi
2000	75%	4,148	156,648 mi
1999	75%	5,978	158,555 mi
1998	77%	3,539	158,458 mi
1997	80%	3,177	154,598 mi
1996	78%	2,725	153,238 mi
1995	77%	2,437	156,551 mi
1994	80%	1,885	161,208 mi
1993	74%	1,108	155,475 mi
1992	81%	438	149,802 mi
1991	78%	319	155,439 mi
1990	82%	251	138,947 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Honda Civic

2006 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

71%

-6%

BMW 3 Series

2005 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

+1%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2006 · 2720cc Diesel

£2,491/year

81%

+4%

Ford Mondeo

2006 · 1999cc Diesel

£2,227/year

71%

-6%

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About the 2004 Land Rover Discovery

The 2004 Land Rover Discovery is a large car. Our records list a 2495cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 12,321 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 152,573 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Land Rover Discovery owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 Land Rover Discovery Fuel Costs

The 2495cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Land Rover Discovery?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Land Rover Discovery Reliability Trend

Newer Land Rover Discoverys pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Land Rover Discovery

At 22 years old, the Land Rover Discovery 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%. With 12,321 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 153k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 Land Rover Discovery 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
Land Rover Discovery(2004)	77%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641
Honda Civic(2006)	71%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641same
BMW 3 Series(2005)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641same
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2006)	81%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491-£150
Ford Mondeo(2006)	71%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414

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 Land Rover Discovery

Is the 2004 Land Rover Discovery reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2004 Land Rover Discoverys ended in a pass, from 12,321 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Land Rover Discovery cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 Land Rover Discovery?

77% of 12,321 MOT tests on the 2004 Land Rover Discovery ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 155th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top half).

Which year Land Rover Discovery has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Land Rover Discovery has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1993 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Land Rover Discovery?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Land Rover Discovery is 152,573 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.