Volkswagen Phaeton (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 72 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3189cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol3189cc22 years old72 tests119k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3189cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

86% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Phaetons from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 72 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 119,058 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models65th of 470(top 14%)

Rank among Volkswagen models614th of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+14%(72% avg)

vs Volkswagen average+1%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

119,058

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton had 119,058 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 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 81%. The 2004 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Phaeton by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	93%	40	101,099 mi
2013	84%	161	100,283 mi
2012	90%	281	88,241 mi
2011	85%	270	117,228 mi
2010	87%	157	119,557 mi
2009	85%	193	124,937 mi
2008	88%	184	120,893 mi
2007	84%	168	123,380 mi
2006	81%	175	111,895 mi
2005	72%	75	129,488 mi
2004	86%	72	119,058 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Freelander

2006 · 3192cc Petrol

£3,303/year

70%

-16%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-8%

Porsche Boxster

2005 · 3197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

same

BMW X3

2006 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

-8%

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About the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton

The 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3189cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 72 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2004 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 119,058 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Phaeton owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton Fuel Costs

The 3189cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 Phaeton?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Phaeton Reliability Trend

The Volkswagen Phaeton has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton

At 22 years old, the Volkswagen Phaeton 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 90%. Note: with only 72 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 119k 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.

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 Phaeton 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 Phaeton(2004)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Land Rover Freelander(2006)	70%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Porsche Boxster(2005)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
BMW X3(2006)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£195

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 Phaeton

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2004 Volkswagen Phaetons ended in a pass, from 72 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

86% of 72 MOT tests on the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 65th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top 14%).

Which year Volkswagen Phaeton has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2006 the lowest at 81%. 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 Phaeton?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is 119,058 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.