VAUXHALL OMEGA (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 31 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2198cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2198cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 22 years old, 81% of VAUXHALL OMEGAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 89,855 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
89,855
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 VAUXHALL OMEGA has 89,855 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 1997 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 52%. The 2004 sits between the two at 81%.
VAUXHALL OMEGA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 VAUXHALL OMEGA
The 2004 VAUXHALL OMEGA is a family car with a 2198cc petrol engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2004 cars for reliability.
With an average of 89,855 miles at 22 years old, VAUXHALL OMEGA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 VAUXHALL OMEGA Fuel Costs
The 2198cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 OMEGA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VAUXHALL OMEGA Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL OMEGAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 VAUXHALL OMEGA
At 22 years old, the VAUXHALL OMEGA 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 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 86%. Note: with only 31 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 VAUXHALL OMEGA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 90k 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.
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 OMEGA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL OMEGA(2004) | 81% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2427 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2006) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£560 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2006) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£210 |
| AUDI A4(2006) | 76% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£410 |
| MERCEDES C(2006) | 74% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£410 |
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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