TOYOTA HILUX (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,573 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,195
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2980cc Diesel
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 11 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2980cc
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 TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 22 years old, 71% of TOYOTA HILUXs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,573 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 158,060 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
158,060
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 TOYOTA HILUX has 158,060 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2004 sits between the two at 71%.
TOYOTA HILUX by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 81% | 1,038 | 28,387 mi | |
| 2020 | 88% | 8,451 | 49,813 mi | |
| 2019 | 88% | 9,702 | 63,975 mi | |
| 2018 | 88% | 9,977 | 74,335 mi | |
| 2017 | 86% | 9,608 | 82,948 mi | |
| 2016 | 82% | 8,700 | 88,215 mi | |
| 2015 | 79% | 10,417 | 94,394 mi | |
| 2014 | 78% | 9,424 | 101,858 mi | |
| 2013 | 76% | 8,145 | 105,835 mi | |
| 2012 | 75% | 7,767 | 114,215 mi | |
| 2011 | 73% | 7,679 | 124,201 mi | |
| 2010 | 73% | 4,854 | 132,562 mi | |
| 2009 | 73% | 3,416 | 134,088 mi | |
| 2008 | 73% | 3,953 | 141,229 mi | |
| 2007 | 74% | 3,571 | 147,675 mi | |
| 2006 | 72% | 1,940 | 147,502 mi | |
| 2005 | 74% | 2,450 | 148,182 mi | |
| 2004 | 71% | 2,573 | 158,060 mi | |
| 2003 | 73% | 1,911 | 160,991 mi | |
| 2002 | 70% | 1,648 | 154,069 mi | |
| 2001 | 70% | 1,041 | 147,426 mi | |
| 2000 | 72% | 978 | 158,021 mi | |
| 1999 | 72% | 1,717 | 155,634 mi | |
| 1998 | 72% | 2,180 | 164,247 mi | |
| 1997 | 74% | 956 | 145,316 mi | |
| 1996 | 72% | 1,000 | 161,430 mi | |
| 1995 | 76% | 659 | 157,911 mi | |
| 1994 | 75% | 447 | 150,345 mi | |
| 1993 | 81% | 291 | 146,119 mi | |
| 1992 | 85% | 201 | 137,343 mi | |
| 1991 | 78% | 221 | 151,472 mi | |
| 1990 | 76% | 195 | 151,093 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 TOYOTA HILUX
The 2004 TOYOTA HILUX is a large car with a 2980cc diesel engine. 2,573 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 158,060 miles at 22 years old, TOYOTA HILUX owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 TOYOTA HILUX Fuel Costs
The 2980cc 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 £1,245 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 TOYOTA HILUX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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.
TOYOTA HILUX Reliability Trend
Newer TOYOTA HILUXs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 TOYOTA HILUX
At 22 years old, the TOYOTA HILUX 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 TOYOTA HILUX'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.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 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 158k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn 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 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 TOYOTA HILUX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA HILUX(2004) | 71% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £2195 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2005) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050-£145 |
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2006) | 81% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£295 |
| AUDI A4(2004) | 74% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
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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