Volkswagen Camper (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 107 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

56%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1999cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

56% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 26 points below average.

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Petrol1999cc22 years old107 tests74k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1999cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,711

Per month£226/mo

Per week£52/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

56% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 26 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

56% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Campers from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 107 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 73,999 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models467th of 470(bottom 1%)

Rank among Volkswagen models1080th of 1,086(bottom 1%)

vs average of all models-26%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-16%(72% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-29%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

73,999

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Volkswagen Camper had 73,999 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 56%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

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About the 2004 Volkswagen Camper

The 2004 Volkswagen Camper is a motorhome. Our records list a 1999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 107 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 1% of 2004 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 73,999 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 Volkswagen Camper?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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

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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With 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 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.

Questions about the 2004 Volkswagen Camper

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Camper reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 56% of MOT tests on 2004 Volkswagen Campers ended in a pass, from 107 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 26 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Volkswagen Camper cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Volkswagen Camper?

56% of 107 MOT tests on the 2004 Volkswagen Camper ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 467th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom 1%).

Which year Volkswagen Camper has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Volkswagen Camper has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2004 the lowest at 56%. 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 Camper?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Volkswagen Camper is 73,999 miles, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.