Renault Modus (2004)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,127 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,100
£175/month
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£170
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 5-15
1149cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
66% pass rate, £2,100/year to run. 16 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.
66% of MOT tests on Renault Moduss from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 1,127 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 83,727 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
83,727
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2004 Renault Modus had 83,727 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 2010 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 71%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 66%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Renault Modus by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 Renault Modus
The 2004 Renault Modus is a city car. Our records list a 1149cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,127 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 14% of 2004 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 83,727 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Modus owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 Renault Modus Fuel Costs
The modest 1149cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 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 Renault Modus?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,100 (£175/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Renault Modus Reliability Trend
The Renault Modus has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 Renault Modus
At 22 years old, the Renault Modus 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.
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.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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 84k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 66% 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 Renault Modus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Modus(2004) | 66% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £2,100 |
| Ford Focus(2006) | 73% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£128 |
| MINI(2005) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£128 |
| Honda Jazz(2006) | 71% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£53 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2006) | 68% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,353+£253 |
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 Renault Modus
Is the 2004 Renault Modus reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 66% of MOT tests on 2004 Renault Moduss ended in a pass, from 1,127 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2004 Renault Modus cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,100 a year (£175 a month): £1,175 fuel, £170 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 Renault Modus?
66% of 1,127 MOT tests on the 2004 Renault Modus ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 407th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom 14%).
Which year Renault Modus has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 Renault Modus has the highest MOT pass rate at 71% and the 2004 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2004 Renault Modus?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Renault Modus is 83,727 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 Renault Models
Explore other Renault cars or similar models in the same category.
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