MERCEDES HYMER (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 37 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,045
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2685cc Diesel
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2045/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2685cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 22 years old, 81% of MERCEDES HYMERs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 37 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,573 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
86,573
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 MERCEDES HYMER has 86,573 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 2020 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2004 sits between the two at 81%.
MERCEDES HYMER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96% | 84 | 15,168 mi | |
| 2020 | 97% | 114 | 15,102 mi | |
| 2019 | 93% | 131 | 17,256 mi | |
| 2018 | 93% | 124 | 24,392 mi | |
| 2017 | 93% | 115 | 24,882 mi | |
| 2016 | 93% | 56 | 26,923 mi | |
| 2015 | 100% | 32 | 49,884 mi | |
| 2006 | 84% | 44 | 72,538 mi | |
| 2004 | 81% | 37 | 86,573 mi | |
| 2003 | 90% | 49 | 67,183 mi | |
| 2002 | 82% | 44 | 72,456 mi | |
| 2001 | 78% | 45 | 84,193 mi | |
| 1998 | 83% | 40 | 78,746 mi | |
| 1994 | 73% | 45 | 128,584 mi | |
| 1993 | 70% | 104 | 158,587 mi | |
| 1992 | 74% | 34 | 133,318 mi | |
| 1990 | 71% | 35 | 107,692 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 MERCEDES HYMER
The 2004 MERCEDES HYMER is a large car with a 2685cc diesel engine. 37 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2004 cars for reliability.
With an average of 86,573 miles at 22 years old, MERCEDES HYMER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 MERCEDES HYMER Fuel Costs
The 2685cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 MERCEDES HYMER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 (£170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES HYMER Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES HYMERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 MERCEDES HYMER
At 22 years old, the MERCEDES HYMER 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 97%. Note: with only 37 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 MERCEDES HYMER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith an average of 87k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 HYMER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES HYMER(2004) | 81% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £2045 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2006) | 71% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050+£5 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2005) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050+£5 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2006) | 73% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050+£5 |
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050+£5 |
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.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
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MERCEDES C
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
HONDA CIVIC
2006 · 2204cc Diesel
BMW 3 SERIES
2005 · 2926cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
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