VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 39 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
59%
Total Tests (2024)
39
Avg Mileage
122,764 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 2004 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 23 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 20 years old, 59% of VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVANs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 39 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 122,764 miles.
How does the 2004 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN has 122,764 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2004 sits between the two at 59%.
How much does a 2004 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN 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.
VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 88% | 34 | 43,771 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 50 | 57,418 mi |
| 2018 | 75% | 36 | 60,042 mi |
| 2015 | 82% | 62 | 75,152 mi |
| 2014 | 89% | 65 | 58,982 mi |
| 2013 | 79% | 67 | 84,526 mi |
| 2012 | 80% | 69 | 68,962 mi |
| 2011 | 83% | 53 | 110,522 mi |
| 2010 | 91% | 75 | 66,457 mi |
| 2009 | 61% | 57 | 76,161 mi |
| 2008 | 70% | 50 | 99,261 mi |
| 2007 | 76% | 70 | 87,633 mi |
| 2006 | 69% | 49 | 94,388 mi |
| 2005 | 80% | 45 | 93,415 mi |
| 2004 | 59% | 39 | 122,764 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 31 | 92,102 mi |
| 1998 | 91% | 35 | 93,564 mi |
| 1994 | 65% | 31 | 145,391 mi |
| 1992 | 66% | 32 | 155,045 mi |
| 1991 | 66% | 94 | 129,598 mi |
| 1990 | 68% | 114 | 129,260 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
The 2004 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN is a large car with a 2461cc diesel engine. 39 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, 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 122,764 miles at 20 years old, VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN Fuel Costs
The 2461cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 59% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVANs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
At 20 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 39 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2004 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- HONDA CIVIC (2006) 71% pass rate (+12%) from 28,045 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2005) 78% pass rate (+19%) from 24,924 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2006) 73% pass rate (+14%) from 23,355 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (2006) 78% pass rate (+19%) from 17,245 tests