Skoda Octavia (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,326 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol1598cc22 years old3,326 tests147k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,228

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Skoda brand average of 88%.

73% of MOT tests on Skoda Octavias from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 3,326 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 147,294 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models233rd of 470(top half)

Rank among Skoda models298th of 329(bottom 10%)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+1%(72% avg)

vs Skoda average-15%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

147,294

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Skoda Octavia had 147,294 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2004 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Skoda Octavia by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	85%	324	57,134 mi
2020	91%	13,721	50,514 mi
2019	90%	31,534	61,297 mi
2018	90%	27,159	71,077 mi
2017	88%	29,246	84,339 mi
2016	87%	32,798	97,549 mi
2015	86%	30,840	108,406 mi
2014	85%	28,378	113,965 mi
2013	82%	18,141	120,720 mi
2012	78%	18,753	126,303 mi
2011	77%	19,826	120,414 mi
2010	76%	16,656	130,679 mi
2009	75%	12,158	132,069 mi
2008	73%	10,293	142,833 mi
2007	72%	11,009	144,641 mi
2006	71%	9,468	141,864 mi
2005	71%	5,516	143,706 mi
2004	73%	3,326	147,294 mi
2003	72%	2,670	151,314 mi
2002	73%	1,768	146,396 mi
2001	71%	1,135	143,061 mi
2000	68%	383	146,774 mi
1999	74%	208	138,431 mi
1998	67%	106	104,028 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2006 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

same

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-2%

BMW 3 Series

2006 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+7%

Honda Jazz

2006 · 1339cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-2%

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About the 2004 Skoda Octavia

The 2004 Skoda Octavia is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,326 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight 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 147,294 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Skoda Octavia owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 Skoda Octavia Fuel Costs

The 1598cc 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 Skoda Octavia?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Skoda Octavia Reliability Trend

Newer Skoda Octavias pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Skoda Octavia

At 22 years old, the Skoda Octavia 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.

What the 2004 Skoda Octavia Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 571 MOT tests on the 2004 Skoda Octavia that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Lights and electrics41%
Same age: 50%
Suspension37%
Same age: 39%
Brakes33%
Same age: 30%
Body, chassis and structure26%
Same age: 21%

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Skoda Octavia 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 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 147k 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 Skoda Octavia 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
Skoda Octavia(2004)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
Ford Focus(2006)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
BMW 3 Series(2006)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361+£133
Honda Jazz(2006)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75

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 Skoda Octavia

Is the 2004 Skoda Octavia reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2004 Skoda Octavias ended in a pass, from 3,326 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Skoda Octavia cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 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 Skoda Octavia?

73% of 3,326 MOT tests on the 2004 Skoda Octavia ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 233rd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top half).

Which year Skoda Octavia has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Skoda Octavia has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 1998 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Skoda Octavia?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Skoda Octavia is 147,294 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.