VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,758 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,057
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1686cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2057/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1686cc
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 22 years old, 69% of VAUXHALL ASTRAVANs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,758 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 144,527 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
144,527
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN has 144,527 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 2012 model with a 79% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2004 sits between the two at 69%.
VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 79% | 589 | 140,826 mi | |
| 2011 | 75% | 1,524 | 153,119 mi | |
| 2010 | 73% | 1,396 | 152,645 mi | |
| 2009 | 73% | 958 | 151,281 mi | |
| 2008 | 71% | 1,893 | 153,122 mi | |
| 2007 | 75% | 1,669 | 150,030 mi | |
| 2006 | 71% | 2,876 | 149,529 mi | |
| 2005 | 68% | 2,700 | 148,683 mi | |
| 2004 | 69% | 1,758 | 144,527 mi | |
| 2003 | 63% | 285 | 148,543 mi | |
| 2002 | 61% | 74 | 160,347 mi | |
| 2001 | 62% | 37 | 162,743 mi | |
| 2000 | 60% | 45 | 133,082 mi | |
| 1997 | 88% | 32 | 115,759 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN
The 2004 VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN is a family car with a 1686cc diesel engine. 1,758 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 144,527 miles at 22 years old, VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN Fuel Costs
The 1686cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,057 (£171/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL ASTRAVANs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN
At 22 years old, the VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 79%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN'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 145k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL ASTRAVAN(2004) | 69% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £2057 |
| FORD FIESTA(2006) | 70% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£567 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2006) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2006) | 70% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£567 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2006) | 68% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1690-£367 |
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 Vauxhall Models
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