2004 Volkswagen Beetle 1.4L Petrol · MK04 YAV
2004 Volkswagen Beetle (1.4L, petrol). First registered 01/03/2004. Recorded mileage 48,576 miles. MOT valid until 23/04/2027. Taxed until 01/03/2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 23/04/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/03/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 48,576 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 2004
- Engine
- 1390cc
MK04 YAV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/04/2026
- 48,576 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
MK04 YAV Mileage History
- 18/04/202445,940 mi
- 25/04/202547,683 mi+1,743 mi
- 25/04/202547,683 mi
- 20/04/202648,576 mi+893 mi
- 20/04/202648,576 mi
Average of roughly 1,315 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
MK04 YAV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Volkswagen Beetle (MK04 YAV) between April 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 20 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (11 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g)”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2004 Volkswagen Beetle in blue presents a very low recorded mileage of just 47,683 miles and a clean recent test record, making it an interesting prospect for budget-conscious buyers. However, prospective buyers should carefully review the test history, noting that initial tests in 2024 and 2025 resulted in failures before passing on the same day.
When viewing this 2004 Volkswagen Beetle, check the paper trail to understand why the tests in April 2024 and April 2025 initially resulted in failures on the same day as their passes. Because no specific defect text was recorded for those failures, you should inspect the vehicle thoroughly for any signs of electrical gremlins, worn suspension components, or tyre condition issues that often trigger same-day retests.
Ensure that all electrical features, including the distinctive interior cabin equipment and window mechanisms, operate correctly. Given the petrol engine size of 1390.0cc, verify the timing belt replacement history, as age-related degradation is a common concern on older Volkswagen powerplants regardless of low mileage.
Equipped with a 1390.0cc petrol engine, this Volkswagen Beetle falls into a moderate insurance group and road tax bracket typical for mid-2000s hatchbacks. Fuel economy should be reasonable for everyday urban and suburban driving, though motorway trips will see higher revs due to the engine capacity.
Routine maintenance costs for this era of Volkswagen are generally manageable thanks to widespread parts availability. Budget for standard annual servicing, wear-and-tear items such as brakes and tyres, and potential age-related rubber component replacements.
Pay close attention to the areas that may have caused the initial test failures in April 2024 and April 2025, even though no specific defect descriptions were logged in the data. Inspect the suspension bushes, brake lines, and exhaust system for corrosion or wear, as these are common points of failure on vehicles of this age.
Examine the blue bodywork for any signs of corrosion, panel misalignment, or paint mismatch, particularly around the wheel arches and sills. Check the interior for dampness, particularly around the door seals and boot, which can affect the electronics.
First registered in March 2004 with a 1390.0cc petrol engine, this Volkswagen Beetle has covered an exceptionally modest 47,683 miles. The available MOT history shows passes recorded on 2023-09-25 at 45,249 miles, 2024-04-18 at 45,940 miles, and 2025-04-25 at 47,683 miles. Notably, both the 2024 and 2025 test dates record an initial failure followed by a pass on the exact same day.
No aggregate reliability statistics are available for this specific Volkswagen Beetle model variant, making individual inspection essential.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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