Volkswagen Touareg (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,176 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,991

£249/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

5000cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,991/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Volkswagen Touareg

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel5000cc22 years old1,176 tests138k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 5000cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,991

Per month£249/mo

Per week£58/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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

79% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Touaregs from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 1,176 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 138,196 miles.

Got a Volkswagen Touareg you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models125th of 470(top half)

Rank among Volkswagen models779th of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+7%(72% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-6%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

138,196

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Volkswagen Touareg had 138,196 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.

Looking at a specific Volkswagen Touareg?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2004 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Touareg by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	745	35,077 mi
2020	93%	1,542	43,671 mi
2019	91%	6,746	49,179 mi
2018	90%	3,613	56,095 mi
2017	85%	7,454	65,245 mi
2016	86%	8,176	75,288 mi
2015	85%	9,905	84,367 mi
2014	88%	7,329	94,102 mi
2013	86%	5,596	104,529 mi
2012	86%	4,035	113,342 mi
2011	84%	3,701	122,498 mi
2010	81%	1,668	128,292 mi
2009	80%	2,577	126,791 mi
2008	78%	3,337	137,817 mi
2007	79%	4,677	142,943 mi
2006	78%	3,571	146,020 mi
2005	76%	2,324	147,345 mi
2004	79%	1,176	138,196 mi
2003	79%	317	130,286 mi

Check a Specific Volkswagen Touareg

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg

The 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is a large-engined car. Our records list a 5000cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,176 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 138,196 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Touareg owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 Volkswagen Touareg Fuel Costs

The 5000cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Touareg?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,991 (£249/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Touareg Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Touaregs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Volkswagen Touareg

At 22 years old, the Volkswagen Touareg 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 93%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 138k 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.

Questions about the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2004 Volkswagen Touaregs ended in a pass, from 1,176 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Volkswagen Touareg cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,991 a year (£249 a month): £1,676 fuel, £760 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 Touareg?

79% of 1,176 MOT tests on the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 125th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top half).

Which year Volkswagen Touareg has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Touareg has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2005 the lowest at 76%. 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 Touareg?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is 138,196 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.