VAUXHALL CORSA (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 17,048 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,730
£144/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
998cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £1730/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 998cc
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 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 22 years old, 68% of VAUXHALL CORSAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 17,048 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,203 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
83,203
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 VAUXHALL CORSA has 83,203 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 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2004 sits between the two at 68%.
VAUXHALL CORSA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96% | 204 | 21,555 mi | |
| 2020 | 85% | 348 | 28,514 mi | |
| 2019 | 88% | 68,639 | 32,881 mi | |
| 2018 | 85% | 86,266 | 41,031 mi | |
| 2017 | 82% | 90,285 | 49,026 mi | |
| 2016 | 81% | 133,045 | 56,744 mi | |
| 2015 | 78% | 160,438 | 63,359 mi | |
| 2014 | 76% | 141,747 | 69,331 mi | |
| 2013 | 77% | 136,838 | 75,022 mi | |
| 2012 | 76% | 138,265 | 79,639 mi | |
| 2011 | 75% | 111,868 | 83,401 mi | |
| 2010 | 74% | 99,909 | 85,864 mi | |
| 2009 | 73% | 91,541 | 89,332 mi | |
| 2008 | 73% | 84,782 | 91,750 mi | |
| 2007 | 72% | 65,133 | 92,716 mi | |
| 2006 | 68% | 34,523 | 86,148 mi | |
| 2005 | 68% | 23,877 | 84,722 mi | |
| 2004 | 68% | 17,048 | 83,203 mi | |
| 2003 | 67% | 14,521 | 83,708 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 9,309 | 82,576 mi | |
| 2001 | 68% | 6,337 | 80,064 mi | |
| 2000 | 69% | 2,465 | 68,980 mi | |
| 1999 | 89% | 7,697 | 80,319 mi | |
| 1998 | 73% | 2,514 | 71,159 mi | |
| 1997 | 72% | 1,694 | 72,132 mi | |
| 1996 | 74% | 831 | 72,499 mi | |
| 1995 | 72% | 537 | 74,332 mi | |
| 1994 | 77% | 395 | 63,135 mi | |
| 1993 | 88% | 187 | 62,430 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 VAUXHALL CORSA
The 2004 VAUXHALL CORSA is a city car with a 998cc petrol engine. 17,048 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 76% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 83,203 miles at 22 years old, VAUXHALL CORSA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 VAUXHALL CORSA Fuel Costs
The modest 998cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 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 VAUXHALL CORSA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,730 (£144/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VAUXHALL CORSA Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL CORSAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 VAUXHALL CORSA
At 22 years old, the VAUXHALL CORSA 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 96%. With 17,048 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 VAUXHALL CORSA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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
Medium riskWith an average of 83k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 68% 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 CORSA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2004) | 68% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1730 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2006) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£8 |
| NISSAN MICRA(2006) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£8 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£8 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2005) | 73% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£8 |
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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