Volkswagen Bora (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,156 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1595cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1595cc22 years old2,156 tests141k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1595cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,228

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

75% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Boras from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 2,156 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 141,141 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models190th of 470(top half)

Rank among Volkswagen models862nd of 1,086(bottom 21%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+3%(72% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-10%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

141,141

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Volkswagen Bora had 141,141 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2004 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Bora by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	69%	434	136,602 mi
2005	74%	2,751	140,126 mi
2004	75%	2,156	141,141 mi
2003	76%	1,989	147,514 mi
2002	76%	1,597	149,145 mi
2001	76%	904	140,916 mi
2000	72%	667	135,857 mi
1999	66%	631	129,709 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2006 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-2%

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-4%

BMW 3 Series

2006 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+5%

Honda Jazz

2006 · 1339cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-4%

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About the 2004 Volkswagen Bora

The 2004 Volkswagen Bora is a small family car. Our records list a 1595cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,156 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 141,141 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Bora owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 Volkswagen Bora Fuel Costs

The 1595cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 Volkswagen Bora?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Bora Reliability Trend

The Volkswagen Bora has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 2004 Volkswagen Bora

At 22 years old, the Volkswagen Bora 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 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.

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.

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

Watch out

With an average of 141k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 Volkswagen Bora 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
Volkswagen Bora(2004)	75%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
Ford Focus(2006)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
BMW 3 Series(2006)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361+£133
Honda Jazz(2006)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75

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 Volkswagen Bora

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Bora reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2004 Volkswagen Boras ended in a pass, from 2,156 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Volkswagen Bora cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 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 Volkswagen Bora?

75% of 2,156 MOT tests on the 2004 Volkswagen Bora ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 190th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top half).

Which year Volkswagen Bora has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 Volkswagen Bora has the highest MOT pass rate at 76% and the 1999 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Volkswagen Bora?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Volkswagen Bora is 141,141 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.