SKODA FABIA (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 8,612 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,625
£135/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1422cc Diesel
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £1625/year to run. 11 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1422cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SKODA brand average of 88%.
At 22 years old, 71% of SKODA FABIAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 8,612 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,795 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
115,795
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 SKODA FABIA has 115,795 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2004 sits between the two at 71%.
SKODA FABIA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 94% | 34 | 18,192 mi | |
| 2021 | 91% | 12,956 | 24,133 mi | |
| 2020 | 90% | 16,268 | 27,757 mi | |
| 2019 | 90% | 22,198 | 33,188 mi | |
| 2018 | 86% | 26,403 | 41,076 mi | |
| 2017 | 84% | 28,967 | 49,380 mi | |
| 2016 | 83% | 31,150 | 56,195 mi | |
| 2015 | 83% | 28,165 | 60,895 mi | |
| 2014 | 82% | 23,842 | 69,642 mi | |
| 2013 | 81% | 31,000 | 76,734 mi | |
| 2012 | 79% | 23,970 | 86,178 mi | |
| 2011 | 78% | 21,120 | 89,856 mi | |
| 2010 | 77% | 18,993 | 91,833 mi | |
| 2009 | 73% | 24,250 | 91,725 mi | |
| 2008 | 71% | 20,115 | 103,040 mi | |
| 2007 | 73% | 17,404 | 106,991 mi | |
| 2006 | 72% | 15,282 | 111,624 mi | |
| 2005 | 72% | 12,215 | 114,942 mi | |
| 2004 | 71% | 8,612 | 115,795 mi | |
| 2003 | 69% | 5,389 | 105,500 mi | |
| 2002 | 70% | 3,624 | 104,739 mi | |
| 2001 | 71% | 2,604 | 107,277 mi | |
| 2000 | 70% | 619 | 94,943 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 SKODA FABIA
The 2004 SKODA FABIA is a small family car with a 1422cc diesel engine. 8,612 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 115,795 miles at 22 years old, SKODA FABIA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 SKODA FABIA Fuel Costs
The 1422cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 SKODA FABIA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SKODA FABIA Reliability Trend
Newer SKODA FABIAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 SKODA FABIA
At 22 years old, the SKODA FABIA 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 8,612 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 SKODA FABIA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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.
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 116k 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 SKODA FABIA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKODA FABIA(2004) | 71% | £905 | £165 | Grp 12-25 | £1625 |
| FORD FIESTA(2006) | 70% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£135 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2006) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£102 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2006) | 70% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£135 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2006) | 68% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1690+£65 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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