2004 Volkswagen Beetle 1.6L Petrol · SJ04 AAD
2004 Volkswagen Beetle (1.6L, petrol). First registered 03 Aug 2004. Recorded mileage 92,211 miles. MOT expired on 16 Apr 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 16 Apr 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 92,211 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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SJ04 AAD Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 18/04/2025
- 92,211 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SJ04 AAD 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 (SJ04 AAD) between May 2022 and April 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 18 April 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (14 issues), Tyres (8 issues), Suspension (7 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 30 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: “Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”.
SJ04 AAD Mileage History
- 26/05/202287,815 mi
- 25/05/202389,971 mi+2,156 mi
- 19/03/202491,745 mi+1,774 mi
- 17/04/202592,211 mi+466 mi
- 18/04/202592,211 mi
Average of roughly 1,517 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to a recurring
When viewing this silver Beetle, prioritize a thorough inspection of the underside. The MOT records show a long-standing issue with corroded brake pipes (noted in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025) and fractured coil springs in 2025. You should verify if the brake pipe corrosion noted in the 2025 advisory has been fully addressed or merely cleaned/greased.
Ask the seller for evidence of recent work regarding the suspension and braking system. Given the 2025 failure involved both nearside and offside rear coil springs, ensure these have been replaced with new parts. Additionally, check the condition of all four tyres; the 2025 MOT noted cracking and perishing on multiple tyres, which suggests they may be aged regardless of tread depth.
With a 1596cc petrol engine, running costs for this Beetle are generally moderate for a vehicle of its age. Fuel economy will depend on driving style, but this engine size is typically efficient for urban and suburban use.
Maintenance costs may be higher than average due to the recurring nature of the advisories seen in the MOT history, such as brake pipes, tyres, and suspension components. You should budget for regular inspections of the braking system and suspension to manage these common failure points. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, sit in the mid-range for a non-premium small hatchback.
Focus heavily on the braking system. The MOT history shows a persistent issue with corroded rear brake pipes and flexi-hoses dating back to at least 2022. Inspect the pipes for any signs of surface rust or degradation, even if they are covered in grease.
Secondly, examine the suspension and steering. The 2024 and 2025 records mention play in the steering linkage ball joints and worn suspension arm bushes. Check for any knocking sounds when driving over bumps. Finally, inspect the tyres for sidewall cracking (perishing), as this was a recurring advisory in the most recent 2025 MOT.
This 2004 Volkswagen Beetle 1.6L petrol has covered 92,211 miles since its first registration in August 2004. The MOT history reveals a pattern of corrosion, specifically regarding rear brake pipes, and several instances of perishing tyres and suspension wear. While the most recent test in April 2025 was a pass, it followed a failure that highlighted multiple fractured coil springs and worn suspension components.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Volkswagen Beetle model to provide a comparative benchmark.
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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