MERCEDES VITO (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,698 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,395
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2148cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £2395/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2148cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 22 years old, 68% of MERCEDES VITOs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,698 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 143,135 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
143,135
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 MERCEDES VITO has 143,135 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2004 sits between the two at 68%.
MERCEDES VITO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 100% | 30 | 8,898 mi | |
| 2023 | 90% | 138 | 34,230 mi | |
| 2022 | 91% | 501 | 59,717 mi | |
| 2021 | 88% | 4,675 | 62,567 mi | |
| 2020 | 85% | 5,461 | 69,552 mi | |
| 2019 | 84% | 15,564 | 94,618 mi | |
| 2018 | 85% | 11,705 | 105,200 mi | |
| 2017 | 83% | 16,514 | 128,006 mi | |
| 2016 | 81% | 12,065 | 130,835 mi | |
| 2015 | 80% | 9,882 | 140,680 mi | |
| 2014 | 79% | 9,119 | 154,008 mi | |
| 2013 | 78% | 9,645 | 167,479 mi | |
| 2012 | 77% | 8,730 | 168,448 mi | |
| 2011 | 76% | 6,819 | 168,028 mi | |
| 2010 | 76% | 8,085 | 177,934 mi | |
| 2009 | 75% | 7,897 | 177,659 mi | |
| 2008 | 74% | 8,480 | 172,432 mi | |
| 2007 | 74% | 8,446 | 172,589 mi | |
| 2006 | 73% | 7,080 | 171,206 mi | |
| 2005 | 69% | 3,857 | 154,561 mi | |
| 2004 | 68% | 1,698 | 143,135 mi | |
| 2003 | 69% | 885 | 126,821 mi | |
| 2002 | 67% | 740 | 136,829 mi | |
| 2001 | 67% | 452 | 123,331 mi | |
| 2000 | 70% | 253 | 116,943 mi | |
| 1999 | 67% | 401 | 118,559 mi | |
| 1998 | 66% | 494 | 110,818 mi | |
| 1997 | 66% | 203 | 105,658 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 MERCEDES VITO
The 2004 MERCEDES VITO is a family car with a 2148cc diesel engine. 1,698 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 78% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 143,135 miles at 22 years old, MERCEDES VITO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 MERCEDES VITO 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 VITO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,395 (£200/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MERCEDES VITO Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES VITOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 MERCEDES VITO
At 22 years old, the MERCEDES VITO 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 MERCEDES VITO'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
Watch outWith an average of 143k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 VITO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES VITO(2004) | 68% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2395 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2006) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£668 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2006) | 71% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2006) | 73% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
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
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
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HONDA CIVIC
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