VAUXHALL MERIVA (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 3,436 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Total Tests (2024)
3,436
Avg Mileage
93,297 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2004 VAUXHALL MERIVA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 20 years old, 67% of VAUXHALL MERIVAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 3,436 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,297 miles.
How does the 2004 VAUXHALL MERIVA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 VAUXHALL MERIVA has 93,297 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a VAUXHALL MERIVA?
The most reliable year is the 2017 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2004 sits between the two at 67%.
How much does a 2004 VAUXHALL MERIVA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VAUXHALL MERIVA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 94% | 33 | 32,949 mi |
| 2017 | 84% | 6,937 | 42,014 mi |
| 2016 | 83% | 10,165 | 49,088 mi |
| 2015 | 82% | 13,281 | 56,416 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 12,403 | 61,266 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 13,584 | 69,704 mi |
| 2012 | 78% | 15,076 | 78,172 mi |
| 2011 | 76% | 25,841 | 87,952 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 17,947 | 85,986 mi |
| 2009 | 69% | 10,176 | 83,758 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 10,277 | 88,694 mi |
| 2007 | 68% | 9,146 | 90,049 mi |
| 2006 | 66% | 7,779 | 91,712 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 4,663 | 92,298 mi |
| 2004 | 67% | 3,436 | 93,297 mi |
| 2003 | 66% | 686 | 91,455 mi |
Checking a specific VAUXHALL MERIVA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 VAUXHALL MERIVA
The 2004 VAUXHALL MERIVA is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 3,436 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 82% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 93,297 miles at 20 years old, VAUXHALL MERIVA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 VAUXHALL MERIVA Fuel Costs
The 1796cc 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 VAUXHALL MERIVA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VAUXHALL MERIVA Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL MERIVAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 VAUXHALL MERIVA
At 20 years old, the VAUXHALL MERIVA 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 84%.
Alternatives to the 2004 VAUXHALL MERIVA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (+6%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+4%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+13%) from 40,353 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (+4%) from 35,054 tests