Peugeot 206 (2004)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 17,866 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,153
£179/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£200
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1360cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2,153/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Peugeot brand average of 83%.
70% of MOT tests on Peugeot 206s from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 17,866 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 87,958 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
87,958
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2004 Peugeot 206 had 87,958 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 72%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2004 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Peugeot 206 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 72% | 47 | 86,464 mi | |
| 2009 | 72% | 1,195 | 82,031 mi | |
| 2008 | 70% | 2,257 | 81,268 mi | |
| 2007 | 72% | 5,055 | 76,848 mi | |
| 2006 | 71% | 12,627 | 85,617 mi | |
| 2005 | 70% | 17,158 | 87,900 mi | |
| 2004 | 70% | 17,866 | 87,958 mi | |
| 2003 | 67% | 12,674 | 88,164 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 9,448 | 86,595 mi | |
| 2001 | 67% | 5,748 | 83,137 mi | |
| 2000 | 65% | 2,245 | 80,556 mi | |
| 1999 | 66% | 1,806 | 79,560 mi | |
| 1998 | 65% | 245 | 81,893 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 Peugeot 206
The 2004 Peugeot 206 is a small family car. Our records list a 1360cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 17,866 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 87,958 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Peugeot 206 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 Peugeot 206 Fuel Costs
The 1360cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2004 Peugeot 206?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,153 (£179/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Peugeot 206 Reliability Trend
Newer Peugeot 206s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2004 Peugeot 206
At 22 years old, the Peugeot 206 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 72%. With 17,866 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
What the 2004 Peugeot 206 Fails Its MOT On
Share of the 3,250 MOT tests on the 2004 Peugeot 206 that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.
- Lights and electrics54%
Same age: 50%
- Suspension40%
Same age: 39%
- Brakes25%
Same age: 30%
- Body, chassis and structure22%
Same age: 21%
DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Peugeot 206 reliability, common problems and years to avoid
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.
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
Medium riskWith an average of 88k 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.
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 Peugeot 206 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peugeot 206(2004) | 70% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153 |
| Ford Focus(2006) | 73% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£75 |
| MINI(2005) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£75 |
| BMW 3 Series(2006) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361+£208 |
| Honda Jazz(2006) | 71% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153same |
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 Peugeot 206
Is the 2004 Peugeot 206 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2004 Peugeot 206s ended in a pass, from 17,866 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2004 Peugeot 206 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,153 a year (£179 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Peugeot 206?
70% of 17,866 MOT tests on the 2004 Peugeot 206 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 297th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).
Which year Peugeot 206 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Peugeot 206 has the highest MOT pass rate at 72% and the 1998 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2004 Peugeot 206?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Peugeot 206 is 87,958 miles, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Peugeot Models
Explore other Peugeot cars or similar models in the same category.
Peugeot 208
2013 · 999cc Petrol
Peugeot 207
2010 · 1360cc Petrol
Peugeot 3008
2018 · 1500cc Diesel
Ford Focus
2006 · 1596cc Petrol
MINI
2005 · 1598cc Petrol
BMW 3 Series
2006 · 1796cc Petrol
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