VAUXHALL ZAFIRA (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 8,351 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
8,351
Avg Mileage
117,412 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 2004 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 20 years old, 70% of VAUXHALL ZAFIRAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 8,351 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,412 miles.
How does the 2004 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA has 117,412 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 ZAFIRA?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2004 sits between the two at 70%.
How much does a 2004 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA 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 ZAFIRA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 86% | 7,948 | 48,589 mi |
| 2017 | 84% | 19,182 | 57,186 mi |
| 2016 | 83% | 19,435 | 69,725 mi |
| 2015 | 81% | 24,364 | 79,658 mi |
| 2014 | 79% | 47,163 | 87,407 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 47,851 | 91,885 mi |
| 2012 | 76% | 28,728 | 96,866 mi |
| 2011 | 73% | 23,998 | 106,807 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 32,021 | 108,515 mi |
| 2009 | 70% | 18,589 | 107,690 mi |
| 2008 | 69% | 27,404 | 113,639 mi |
| 2007 | 68% | 22,972 | 114,567 mi |
| 2006 | 69% | 15,366 | 117,052 mi |
| 2005 | 69% | 10,501 | 117,280 mi |
| 2004 | 70% | 8,351 | 117,412 mi |
| 2003 | 69% | 4,657 | 117,922 mi |
| 2002 | 71% | 2,799 | 121,379 mi |
| 2001 | 71% | 1,295 | 121,885 mi |
| 2000 | 66% | 452 | 133,027 mi |
| 1999 | 65% | 219 | 123,366 mi |
Checking a specific VAUXHALL ZAFIRA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA
The 2004 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA is a family car with a 1995cc diesel engine. 8,351 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 117,412 miles at 20 years old, VAUXHALL ZAFIRA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA Fuel Costs
The 1995cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 ZAFIRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 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 ZAFIRA Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL ZAFIRAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA
At 20 years old, the VAUXHALL ZAFIRA 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 86%. With 8,351 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2004 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2006) 72% pass rate (+2%) from 60,321 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2005) 69% pass rate (-1%) from 29,377 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2006) 71% pass rate (+1%) from 28,045 tests
- AUDI A3 (2006) 73% pass rate (+3%) from 24,088 tests