How much does a 2004 MERCEDES A-CLASS 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 MERCEDES A-CLASS?

The 2004 MERCEDES A-CLASS has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 2,470 tests in 2026. This ranks 304 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year MERCEDES A-CLASS is most reliable?

The 2021 MERCEDES A-CLASS has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%. The least reliable year is 1999 at 68%.

MERCEDES A-CLASS (2004)

Q: Is the 2004 MERCEDES A-CLASS reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MERCEDES A-CLASSs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,470 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2004 MERCEDES A-CLASS?

The average mileage for a 2004 MERCEDES A-CLASS is 84,566 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 2,470 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

1397cc Petrol

Check Carefully

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

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Petrol1397cc22 years old2,470 tests85k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1397cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1397cc

£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 MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 22 years old, 71% of MERCEDES A-CLASSs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,470 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 84,566 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars304th of 491(top 62%)

Rank among MERCEDES models1349th of 1,408(top 96%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

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

vs MERCEDES average-16%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

84,566

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 MERCEDES A-CLASS has 84,566 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 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2004 sits between the two at 71%.

MERCEDES A-CLASS by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	95%	204	20,573 mi
2020	92%	296	25,924 mi
2019	90%	17,959	42,922 mi
2018	89%	81,134	48,596 mi
2017	88%	82,055	58,788 mi
2016	86%	78,925	68,387 mi
2015	85%	57,434	77,575 mi
2014	83%	51,817	86,660 mi
2013	83%	34,582	92,179 mi
2012	79%	9,525	74,077 mi
2011	78%	9,398	73,721 mi
2010	76%	11,300	79,296 mi
2009	75%	12,533	84,461 mi
2008	74%	12,272	89,507 mi
2007	74%	11,036	91,201 mi
2006	72%	8,389	91,943 mi
2005	73%	5,552	88,124 mi
2004	71%	2,470	84,566 mi
2003	71%	2,442	81,910 mi
2002	70%	1,766	83,515 mi
2001	72%	1,096	88,180 mi
2000	69%	516	80,481 mi
1999	68%	526	79,332 mi
1998	72%	72	85,941 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

BMW 3 SERIES

2006 · 1796cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

+9%

HONDA JAZZ

2006 · 1339cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

same

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About the 2004 MERCEDES A-CLASS

The 2004 MERCEDES A-CLASS is a small family car with a 1397cc petrol engine. 2,470 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 84,566 miles at 22 years old, MERCEDES A-CLASS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 MERCEDES A-CLASS Fuel Costs

The 1397cc 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 MERCEDES A-CLASS?

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.

MERCEDES A-CLASS Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES A-CLASSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 MERCEDES A-CLASS

At 22 years old, the MERCEDES A-CLASS 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 MERCEDES A-CLASS'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 85k 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 MERCEDES A-CLASS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MERCEDES A-CLASS(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
BMW 3 SERIES(2006)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£20
HONDA JAZZ(2006)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£165

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.