Vauxhall Tigra (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 416 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc22 years old416 tests86k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

70% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Tigras from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 416 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 86,044 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models316th of 470(bottom half)

Rank among Vauxhall models778th of 870(bottom 11%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-2%(72% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-14%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,044

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Vauxhall Tigra had 86,044 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2004 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Tigra by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2009	72%	3,112	70,656 mi
2008	69%	2,428	74,610 mi
2007	69%	2,907	77,391 mi
2006	68%	3,079	82,871 mi
2005	69%	1,651	83,647 mi
2004	70%	416	86,044 mi
2000	71%	68	57,756 mi
1999	75%	88	57,631 mi
1998	79%	104	58,417 mi
1997	84%	75	74,363 mi
1996	78%	46	44,919 mi
1995	76%	41	50,369 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2006 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

+3%

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+1%

BMW 3 Series

2006 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+10%

Honda Jazz

2006 · 1339cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+1%

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About the 2004 Vauxhall Tigra

The 2004 Vauxhall Tigra is a family car. Our records list a 1796cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 416 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 86,044 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Tigra owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 Vauxhall Tigra 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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 Vauxhall Tigra?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Vauxhall Tigra Reliability Trend

Older Vauxhall Tigras tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 3 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 2004 Vauxhall Tigra

At 22 years old, the Vauxhall Tigra 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 79%.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 86k 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.

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 Tigra 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 Tigra(2004)	70%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
Ford Focus(2006)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
BMW 3 Series(2006)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361-£150
Honda Jazz(2006)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358

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 Tigra

Is the 2004 Vauxhall Tigra reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2004 Vauxhall Tigras ended in a pass, from 416 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Vauxhall Tigra cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

70% of 416 MOT tests on the 2004 Vauxhall Tigra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 316th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).

Which year Vauxhall Tigra has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Vauxhall Tigra has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 2006 the lowest at 68%. 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 Tigra?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Vauxhall Tigra is 86,044 miles, 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.