MERCEDES VITO (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,698 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
1,698
Avg Mileage
143,135 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 2004 MERCEDES VITO reliable?
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 20 years old, 68% of MERCEDES VITOs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,698 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 143,135 miles.
How does the 2004 MERCEDES VITO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 MERCEDES VITO has 143,135 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES VITO?
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%.
How much does a 2004 MERCEDES VITO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific MERCEDES VITO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 20 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 £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 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 20 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%.
Alternatives to the 2004 MERCEDES VITO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2006) 72% pass rate (+4%) from 60,321 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2006) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 28,045 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2006) 73% pass rate (+5%) from 23,355 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (2006) 78% pass rate (+10%) from 17,245 tests