Is the 2004 VOLVO S60 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of VOLVO S60s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,166 tests. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 VOLVO S60 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), including £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 VOLVO S60?

The 2004 VOLVO S60 has a 73% MOT pass rate based on 2,166 tests in 2026. This ranks 250 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year VOLVO S60 is most reliable?

The 2019 VOLVO S60 has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%. The least reliable year is 2001 at 72%.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 VOLVO S60?

The average mileage for a 2004 VOLVO S60 is 141,332 miles, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

VOLVO S60 (2004)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,166 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2401cc Diesel

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Diesel2401cc22 years old2,166 tests141k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2401cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 2401cc

£395

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,195

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.

At 22 years old, 73% of VOLVO S60s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,166 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 141,332 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars250th of 491(top 51%)

Rank among VOLVO models570th of 635(top 90%)

vs national average-9%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average+1%(72% avg)

vs VOLVO average-14%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

141,332

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 VOLVO S60 has 141,332 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2004 sits between the two at 73%.

VOLVO S60 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	83%	36	44,031 mi
2019	90%	1,071	38,056 mi
2018	88%	1,441	55,705 mi
2017	87%	1,767	68,573 mi
2016	86%	1,927	85,551 mi
2015	84%	2,154	97,794 mi
2014	83%	2,489	107,514 mi
2013	83%	2,627	109,535 mi
2012	79%	3,269	114,338 mi
2011	81%	3,225	117,211 mi
2010	81%	1,220	119,219 mi
2009	79%	90	133,284 mi
2008	74%	646	127,219 mi
2007	74%	1,171	129,259 mi
2006	76%	1,969	128,079 mi
2005	76%	2,501	138,798 mi
2004	73%	2,166	141,332 mi
2003	74%	1,710	138,000 mi
2002	77%	1,124	137,890 mi
2001	72%	563	122,657 mi
2000	81%	31	142,993 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

HONDA CIVIC

2006 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,050/year

71%

-2%

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

2006 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,050/year

73%

same

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

2006 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,050/year

78%

+5%

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT

2006 · 2720cc Diesel

£1,900/year

81%

+8%

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About the 2004 VOLVO S60

The 2004 VOLVO S60 is a premium with a 2401cc diesel engine. 2,166 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 141,332 miles at 22 years old, VOLVO S60 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 VOLVO S60 Fuel Costs

The 2401cc 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 VOLVO S60?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VOLVO S60 Reliability Trend

Newer VOLVO S60s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 VOLVO S60

At 22 years old, the VOLVO S60 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 VOLVO S60's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 141k 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.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2004 VOLVO S60 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLVO S60(2004)	73%	£1245	£395	Grp 25-38	£2195
HONDA CIVIC(2006)	71%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2006)	73%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006)	78%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2006)	81%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£1900-£295

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.