VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 36 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,277
£190/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2520cc Petrol
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2520cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLVO brand average of 87%.
At 22 years old, 94% of VOLVO UNCLASSIFIEDs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 36 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 247,197 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
247,197
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED has 247,197 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 79%. The 2004 sits between the two at 94%.
VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 95% | 41 | 9,499 mi | |
| 2020 | 95% | 73 | 24,779 mi | |
| 2018 | 87% | 47 | 57,070 mi | |
| 2017 | 83% | 64 | 44,942 mi | |
| 2016 | 86% | 103 | 59,565 mi | |
| 2015 | 82% | 62 | 75,803 mi | |
| 2014 | 79% | 68 | 64,877 mi | |
| 2013 | 87% | 87 | 80,303 mi | |
| 2012 | 85% | 132 | 60,129 mi | |
| 2011 | 90% | 52 | 109,225 mi | |
| 2009 | 81% | 31 | 138,983 mi | |
| 2008 | 85% | 40 | 109,441 mi | |
| 2007 | 77% | 39 | 144,909 mi | |
| 2005 | 68% | 37 | 194,235 mi | |
| 2004 | 94% | 36 | 247,197 mi | |
| 2003 | 83% | 30 | 210,987 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED
The 2004 VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED is a premium performance with a 2520cc petrol engine. 36 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 4% of all 2004 cars for reliability.
With an average of 247,197 miles at 22 years old, VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2004 VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs
The 2520cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2004 VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED Reliability Trend
The VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED
At 22 years old, the VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED 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 95%. Note: with only 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 247k 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 riskAlways 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 UNCLASSIFIED stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLVO UNCLASSIFIED(2004) | 94% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2277 |
| MERCEDES A-CLASS(2006) | 72% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397+£120 |
| MERCEDES E(2005) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397+£120 |
| NISSAN X-TRAIL(2006) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£320 |
| BMW X3(2006) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397+£120 |
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.
Related Volvo Models
Explore other Volvo cars or similar models in the same category.
VOLVO XC40
2020 · 2000cc Petrol
VOLVO V40
2014 · 1984cc Diesel
VOLVO XC60
2016 · 1969cc Petrol
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2006 · 2035cc Petrol
MERCEDES E
2005 · 2597cc Petrol
NISSAN X-TRAIL
2006 · 2488cc Petrol
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