Is the 2004 MAZDA 2 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MAZDA 2s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,546 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 MAZDA 2 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), including £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 MAZDA 2?

The 2004 MAZDA 2 has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 1,546 tests in 2026. This ranks 305 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year MAZDA 2 is most reliable?

The 2019 MAZDA 2 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%. The least reliable year is 2008 at 70%.

MAZDA 2 (2004)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2004 MAZDA 2?

The average mileage for a 2004 MAZDA 2 is 89,679 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,546 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,887

£157/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£195

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 8-20

1250cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1250cc22 years old1,546 tests90k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1250cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1250cc

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,887

Per month£157/mo

Per week£36/wk

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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.

At 22 years old, 71% of MAZDA 2s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,546 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 89,679 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars305th of 491(top 62%)

Rank among MAZDA models368th of 483(top 76%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average-1%(72% avg)

vs MAZDA average-10%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

89,679

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 MAZDA 2 has 89,679 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2004 sits between the two at 71%.

MAZDA 2 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	97%	30	25,674 mi
2019	92%	12,113	27,997 mi
2018	91%	12,473	35,410 mi
2017	90%	11,574	42,686 mi
2016	87%	15,776	51,000 mi
2015	85%	15,877	57,096 mi
2014	79%	14,202	60,500 mi
2013	77%	14,893	67,601 mi
2012	76%	15,653	71,124 mi
2011	74%	18,883	77,682 mi
2010	72%	22,897	86,346 mi
2009	71%	22,733	91,854 mi
2008	70%	14,817	97,282 mi
2007	72%	4,816	90,403 mi
2006	73%	2,297	83,579 mi
2005	71%	1,957	86,126 mi
2004	71%	1,546	89,679 mi
2003	75%	646	91,192 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FOCUS

2006 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

+2%

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

same

HONDA JAZZ

2006 · 1339cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

same

VAUXHALL CORSA

2006 · 1229cc Petrol

£1,922/year

68%

-3%

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About the 2004 MAZDA 2

The 2004 MAZDA 2 is a small family car with a 1250cc petrol engine. 1,546 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 89,679 miles at 22 years old, MAZDA 2 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 MAZDA 2 Fuel Costs

The 1250cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 MAZDA 2?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MAZDA 2 Reliability Trend

Newer MAZDA 2s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 MAZDA 2

At 22 years old, the MAZDA 2 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 MAZDA 2's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 90k 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 MAZDA 2 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MAZDA 2(2004)	71%	£1137	£195	Grp 8-20	£1887
FORD FOCUS(2006)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£60
MINI MINI(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£60
HONDA JAZZ(2006)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£165
VAUXHALL CORSA(2006)	68%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1922+£35

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.