PEUGEOT 406 (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 373 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
373
Avg Mileage
142,734 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2004 PEUGEOT 406 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the PEUGEOT brand average of 83%.
At 20 years old, 68% of PEUGEOT 406s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 373 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 142,734 miles.
How does the 2004 PEUGEOT 406 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 PEUGEOT 406 has 142,734 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 PEUGEOT 406?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 68%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2004 PEUGEOT 406 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.
PEUGEOT 406 by Year
Checking a specific PEUGEOT 406?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 PEUGEOT 406
The 2004 PEUGEOT 406 is a family car with a 1997cc petrol engine. 373 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 78% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 142,734 miles at 20 years old, PEUGEOT 406 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 PEUGEOT 406 Fuel Costs
The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2004 PEUGEOT 406?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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.
PEUGEOT 406 Reliability Trend
Older PEUGEOT 406s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2004 PEUGEOT 406
At 20 years old, the PEUGEOT 406 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.
Alternatives to the 2004 PEUGEOT 406
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (+5%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+12%) from 40,353 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2006) 68% pass rate (same) from 31,061 tests