Nissan Interstar (2004)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 56 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,841
£237/month
MOT Pass Rate
59%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£410
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
2463cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
59% pass rate, £2,841/year to run. 23 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 23 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.
59% of MOT tests on Nissan Interstars from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 56 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 155,953 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
155,953
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2004 Nissan Interstar had 155,953 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Nissan Interstar by Year
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About the 2004 Nissan Interstar
The 2004 Nissan Interstar is a van. Our records list a 2463cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 56 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 2% of 2004 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 155,953 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Interstar owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 Nissan Interstar Fuel Costs
The 2463cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Nissan Interstar?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,841 (£237/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 59% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 2004 Nissan Interstar
At 22 years old, the Nissan Interstar 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. Note: with only 56 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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 156k 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 59% 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 Nissan Interstar stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Interstar(2004) | 59% | £1,676 | £410 | n/a | £2,841 |
| Volkswagen Transporter(2006) | 73% | £1,676 | £410 | n/a | £2,641-£200 |
| Ford Transit(2006) | 70% | £1,676 | £410 | n/a | £2,641-£200 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2004 Nissan Interstar
Is the 2004 Nissan Interstar reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 59% of MOT tests on 2004 Nissan Interstars ended in a pass, from 56 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 23 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2004 Nissan Interstar cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,841 a year (£237 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Nissan Interstar?
59% of 56 MOT tests on the 2004 Nissan Interstar ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 463rd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom 2%).
What is the average mileage for a 2004 Nissan Interstar?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Nissan Interstar is 155,953 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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