MERCEDES MOTORHOME (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 104 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,045
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2148cc Diesel
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £2045/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2148cc
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%.
At 22 years old, 85% of MERCEDES MOTORHOMEs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 104 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,330 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
70,330
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 MERCEDES MOTORHOME has 70,330 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2004 sits between the two at 85%.
MERCEDES MOTORHOME by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 72% | 32 | 61,005 mi | |
| 2009 | 71% | 42 | 108,468 mi | |
| 2008 | 81% | 91 | 87,572 mi | |
| 2007 | 95% | 155 | 74,554 mi | |
| 2006 | 84% | 122 | 64,969 mi | |
| 2005 | 86% | 83 | 58,481 mi | |
| 2004 | 85% | 104 | 70,330 mi | |
| 2003 | 82% | 66 | 85,052 mi | |
| 2002 | 80% | 64 | 109,471 mi | |
| 2001 | 69% | 68 | 88,872 mi | |
| 2000 | 76% | 51 | 87,478 mi | |
| 1999 | 84% | 49 | 87,617 mi | |
| 1998 | 94% | 33 | 149,288 mi | |
| 1997 | 88% | 33 | 106,455 mi | |
| 1995 | 21% | 34 | 103,323 mi | |
| 1992 | 63% | 32 | 114,043 mi | |
| 1990 | 84% | 43 | 111,634 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 MERCEDES MOTORHOME
The 2004 MERCEDES MOTORHOME is a family car with a 2148cc diesel engine. 104 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 16% of all 2004 cars for reliability.
With an average of 70,330 miles at 22 years old, MERCEDES MOTORHOME owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2004 MERCEDES MOTORHOME Fuel Costs
The 2148cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 MOTORHOME?
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 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES MOTORHOME Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES MOTORHOMEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 MERCEDES MOTORHOME
At 22 years old, the MERCEDES MOTORHOME 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 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 MERCEDES MOTORHOME'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.
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 MOTORHOME stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES MOTORHOME(2004) | 85% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2045 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2006) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£318 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2006) | 71% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £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
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2006 · 1896cc Diesel
HONDA CIVIC
2006 · 2204cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
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