Volvo V50 (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,784 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,158

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2435cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £3,158/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Petrol2435cc22 years old1,784 tests134k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2435cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,158

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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

69% of MOT tests on Volvo V50s from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 1,784 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 133,972 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models333rd of 470(bottom half)

Rank among Volvo models601st of 619(bottom 4%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-3%(72% avg)

vs Volvo average-18%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

133,972

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Volvo V50 had 133,972 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 75%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 69%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo V50 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	75%	6,231	118,265 mi
2011	72%	8,177	129,286 mi
2010	72%	9,041	127,191 mi
2009	72%	8,873	128,675 mi
2008	70%	10,616	137,325 mi
2007	71%	5,752	143,678 mi
2006	69%	5,492	142,844 mi
2005	69%	4,054	140,432 mi
2004	69%	1,784	133,972 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Renault Clio

2006 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

68%

-1%

Honda CR-V

2006 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,511/year

72%

+3%

Volkswagen Passat

2006 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,511/year

72%

+3%

Mercedes A-Class

2006 · 2035cc Petrol

£2,958/year

72%

+3%

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About the 2004 Volvo V50

The 2004 Volvo V50 is a premium car. Our records list a 2435cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,784 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 falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 133,972 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo V50 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 Volvo V50 Fuel Costs

The 2435cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 Volvo V50?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,158 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Volvo V50 Reliability Trend

The Volvo V50 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 Volvo V50

At 22 years old, the Volvo V50 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.

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 134k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 V50 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
Volvo V50(2004)	69%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£3,158
Renault Clio(2006)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711-£447
Honda CR-V(2006)	72%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£647
Volkswagen Passat(2006)	72%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£647
Mercedes A-Class(2006)	72%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958-£200

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 Volvo V50

Is the 2004 Volvo V50 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2004 Volvo V50s ended in a pass, from 1,784 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Volvo V50 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,158 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Volvo V50?

69% of 1,784 MOT tests on the 2004 Volvo V50 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 333rd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).

Which year Volvo V50 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Volvo V50 has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2004 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Volvo V50?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Volvo V50 is 133,972 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.