Renault Vel Satis (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 41 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2958cc Diesel

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2958cc22 years old41 tests129k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2958cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/wk

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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

80% of MOT tests on Renault Vel Satiss from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 41 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 128,953 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models119th of 470(top half)

Rank among Renault models317th of 615(bottom half)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+8%(72% avg)

vs Renault average+0%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

128,953

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Renault Vel Satis had 128,953 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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Renault Vel Satis by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	80%	41	128,953 mi
2003	67%	51	106,377 mi
2002	82%	34	115,809 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2005 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

-2%

Land Rover Discovery

2006 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

-2%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2006 · 2720cc Diesel

£2,491/year

81%

+1%

Audi A4

2004 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,641/year

74%

-6%

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About the 2004 Renault Vel Satis

The 2004 Renault Vel Satis is a large car. Our records list a 2958cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 41 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 128,953 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Vel Satis owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 Renault Vel Satis Fuel Costs

The 2958cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 Renault Vel Satis?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2004 Renault Vel Satis

At 22 years old, the Renault Vel Satis 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 41 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 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 129k 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.

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 Renault Vel Satis 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 Vel Satis(2004)	80%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491
BMW 3 Series(2005)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641+£150
Land Rover Discovery(2006)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£150
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2006)	81%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Audi A4(2004)	74%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£150

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 Vel Satis

Is the 2004 Renault Vel Satis reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2004 Renault Vel Satiss ended in a pass, from 41 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Renault Vel Satis cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Renault Vel Satis?

80% of 41 MOT tests on the 2004 Renault Vel Satis ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 119th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Renault Vel Satis?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Renault Vel Satis is 128,953 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.