CarCostCheck

TOYOTA RAV-4 (2004)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,420 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc22 years old4,420 tests119k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327
Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£315
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,197
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.

At 22 years old, 75% of TOYOTA RAV-4s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,420 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,012 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars202th of 491(top 41%)
Rank among TOYOTA models773th of 996(top 78%)
vs national average-7%(82% avg)
vs 2004 cars average+3%(72% avg)
vs TOYOTA average-9%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

119,012

Average miles

vs

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 TOYOTA RAV-4 has 119,012 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 2014 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2004 sits between the two at 75%.

TOYOTA RAV-4 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201487%2,31489,044 mi
201386%2,37889,784 mi
201283%2,96892,727 mi
201181%5,769101,091 mi
201081%5,925108,667 mi
200980%2,815111,891 mi
200875%2,882118,412 mi
200773%4,787124,487 mi
200672%5,749125,232 mi
200576%5,613120,527 mi
200475%4,420119,012 mi
200375%3,314120,017 mi
200274%2,212116,302 mi
200176%1,327120,035 mi
200076%463112,097 mi
199973%447124,230 mi
199873%482122,929 mi
199771%447121,927 mi
199672%204122,888 mi
199563%67126,943 mi
199477%39129,896 mi

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About the 2004 TOYOTA RAV-4

The 2004 TOYOTA RAV-4 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 4,420 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 119,012 miles at 22 years old, TOYOTA RAV-4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 TOYOTA RAV-4 Fuel Costs

The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 TOYOTA RAV-4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

TOYOTA RAV-4 Reliability Trend

Newer TOYOTA RAV-4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 TOYOTA RAV-4

At 22 years old, the TOYOTA RAV-4 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 TOYOTA RAV-4's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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 119k 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.

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 TOYOTA RAV-4 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
TOYOTA RAV-4(2004)75%£1327£315Grp 18-32£2197
FORD FOCUS(2006)73%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£370
MINI MINI(2005)71%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£370
BMW 3 SERIES(2006)80%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867-£330
RENAULT CLIO(2006)68%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2217+£20

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.

Related Toyota Models

Explore other Toyota cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Toyota Rav-4.

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