CarCostCheck

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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Diesel2148cc22 years old1,698 tests143k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2148cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2148cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700
Total per year£2,395
Per month£200/mo
Per week£46/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

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)
0%National avg: 82%100%

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?

Rank among 2004 cars381th of 491(top 78%)
Rank among MERCEDES models1374th of 1,408(top 98%)
vs national average-14%(82% avg)
vs 2004 cars average-4%(72% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-19%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

143,135

Average miles

vs

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
2024100%308,898 mi
202390%13834,230 mi
202291%50159,717 mi
202188%4,67562,567 mi
202085%5,46169,552 mi
201984%15,56494,618 mi
201885%11,705105,200 mi
201783%16,514128,006 mi
201681%12,065130,835 mi
201580%9,882140,680 mi
201479%9,119154,008 mi
201378%9,645167,479 mi
201277%8,730168,448 mi
201176%6,819168,028 mi
201076%8,085177,934 mi
200975%7,897177,659 mi
200874%8,480172,432 mi
200774%8,446172,589 mi
200673%7,080171,206 mi
200569%3,857154,561 mi
200468%1,698143,135 mi
200369%885126,821 mi
200267%740136,829 mi
200167%452123,331 mi
200070%253116,943 mi
199967%401118,559 mi
199866%494110,818 mi
199766%203105,658 mi

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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 out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger 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 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

Watch out

With 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn 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 out

With 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 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 VITO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES VITO(2004)68%£1245£395Grp 25-38£2395
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2006)72%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£668
HONDA CIVIC(2006)71%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£345
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2006)73%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£345
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006)78%£1245£250Grp 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.

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Related Guides

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