VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 107 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
56%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1999cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
56% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 26 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1999cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 26 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 22 years old, 56% of VOLKSWAGEN CAMPERs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 107 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,999 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
73,999
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER has 73,999 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2009 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 56%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 74% | 70 | 50,499 mi | |
| 2012 | 72% | 95 | 64,122 mi | |
| 2011 | 86% | 63 | 65,939 mi | |
| 2010 | 73% | 120 | 49,081 mi | |
| 2009 | 86% | 87 | 49,004 mi | |
| 2008 | 73% | 109 | 61,852 mi | |
| 2007 | 75% | 114 | 59,012 mi | |
| 2006 | 68% | 140 | 55,640 mi | |
| 2005 | 70% | 81 | 60,364 mi | |
| 2004 | 56% | 107 | 73,999 mi | |
| 2003 | 74% | 66 | 73,842 mi | |
| 2002 | 77% | 52 | 95,049 mi | |
| 1999 | 70% | 33 | 86,173 mi | |
| 1997 | 89% | 46 | 101,748 mi | |
| 1996 | 83% | 35 | 123,837 mi | |
| 1995 | 74% | 31 | 117,133 mi | |
| 1992 | 75% | 36 | 108,907 mi | |
| 1991 | 74% | 178 | 143,832 mi | |
| 1990 | 72% | 323 | 119,488 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER
The 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER is a family car with a 1999cc petrol engine. 107 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 73,999 miles at 22 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2004 VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER Fuel Costs
The 1999cc 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 VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 56% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN CAMPERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER
At 22 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER'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.
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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 56% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER(2004) | 56% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| FORD FOCUS(2006) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2006) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£530 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2006) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£180 |
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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