Vauxhall Combo (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,226 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,144

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

65%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1248cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

65% pass rate, £2,144/year to run. 17 points below average.

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Diesel1248cc22 years old4,226 tests140k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1248cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,144

Per month£179/mo

Per week£41/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

65% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

65% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Combos from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 4,226 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 139,747 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models418th of 470(bottom 12%)

Rank among Vauxhall models849th of 870(bottom 3%)

vs average of all models-17%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-7%(72% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-19%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

139,747

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Vauxhall Combo had 139,747 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 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2004 scores 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Combo by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	85%	2,256	44,074 mi
2020	82%	16,650	50,243 mi
2019	84%	26,189	56,702 mi
2018	81%	5,210	68,773 mi
2017	77%	6,624	82,586 mi
2016	75%	9,354	96,356 mi
2015	74%	9,819	102,757 mi
2014	73%	9,086	106,793 mi
2013	72%	6,354	111,544 mi
2012	70%	5,907	115,666 mi
2011	74%	13,518	110,613 mi
2010	72%	12,858	110,980 mi
2009	69%	8,183	121,545 mi
2008	68%	10,804	129,928 mi
2007	68%	9,039	133,235 mi
2006	66%	6,903	128,920 mi
2005	67%	4,689	128,941 mi
2004	65%	4,226	139,747 mi
2003	65%	3,142	138,909 mi
2002	67%	960	137,264 mi
2001	66%	180	111,186 mi
2000	67%	83	110,182 mi
1999	84%	106	105,727 mi
1998	83%	81	123,220 mi
1997	79%	47	134,272 mi
1996	75%	79	107,082 mi
1995	71%	49	116,969 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2006 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

+5%

Vauxhall Astra

2006 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

+5%

Volkswagen Polo

2006 · 1400cc Diesel

£2,144/year

68%

+3%

Toyota Yaris

2006 · 1364cc Diesel

£1,944/year

73%

+8%

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About the 2004 Vauxhall Combo

The 2004 Vauxhall Combo is a small family car. Our records list a 1248cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,226 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 12% of 2004 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 139,747 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Combo owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 Vauxhall Combo Fuel Costs

The 1248cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Combo?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,144 (£179/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Vauxhall Combo Reliability Trend

Newer Vauxhall Combos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Vauxhall Combo

At 22 years old, the Vauxhall Combo 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 85%.

What the 2004 Vauxhall Combo Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 763 MOT tests on the 2004 Vauxhall Combo that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Suspension54%
Same age: 39% (fails on this more often)
Lights and electrics54%
Same age: 50%
Brakes37%
Same age: 30%
Body, chassis and structure33%
Same age: 21% (fails on this more often)

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Vauxhall Combo 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 140k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 Vauxhall Combo 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
Vauxhall Combo(2004)	65%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£2,144
Ford Fiesta(2006)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£200
Vauxhall Astra(2006)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£200
Volkswagen Polo(2006)	68%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£2,144same
Toyota Yaris(2006)	73%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£200

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 Vauxhall Combo

Is the 2004 Vauxhall Combo reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 2004 Vauxhall Combos ended in a pass, from 4,226 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Vauxhall Combo cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,144 a year (£179 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Vauxhall Combo?

65% of 4,226 MOT tests on the 2004 Vauxhall Combo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 418th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom 12%).

Which year Vauxhall Combo has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Vauxhall Combo has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2003 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Vauxhall Combo?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Vauxhall Combo is 139,747 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.