2004 Volkswagen Transporter 1.9L Diesel · SX04 AFF
2004 Volkswagen Transporter (1.9L, diesel). First registered 24 Apr 2004. Recorded mileage 184,618 miles. MOT valid until 24 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Inverness
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 24 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 184,618 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
SX04 AFF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/10/2025
- 184,618 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 13 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (19 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
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SX04 AFF Mileage History
- 20/10/2023176,960 mi
- 26/10/2023176,963 mi+3 mi
- 22/10/2024181,544 mi+4,581 mi
- 22/10/2024181,548 mi+4 mi
- 14/10/2025184,618 mi+3,070 mi
Average of roughly 3,859 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
SX04 AFF 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 Transporter (SX04 AFF) between October 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 14 October 2025 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: Suspension (19 issues), Lighting (17 issues), Brakes (16 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Steering (5 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 56 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 Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner s”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn drop link ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution but consider this a relatively stable option for a high-mileage van. While the recent MOT history shows a pattern of minor failures, the most recent tests have been completed without defects.
When inspecting this 1.9L diesel Transporter, focus on the mechanical components that may have caused the recorded MOT failures in previous years. Although the most recent tests in 2024 and 2025 showed no defects, the history of failures suggests that certain components require regular attention.
Ask the seller for documentation regarding recent maintenance, specifically looking for any work carried out to rectify the issues that led to the 2023 and 2024 failures. Given the age and mileage, you should also check the condition of the underside for corrosion and ensure the diesel engine responds well to cold starts.
As a 1896cc diesel, this Transporter will likely fall into a moderate tax band depending on its specific CO2 emissions. Fuel economy will depend heavily on load and driving style, but expect typical diesel commercial vehicle figures.
Insurance groups for older Transporters vary significantly based on driver profile and usage (commercial vs. private). Expect maintenance costs to be higher than a standard car, particularly as parts for a 2004 model may become more specialized. Estimated annual running costs sit in the mid-range for a vehicle of this age and utility.
Review the vehicle's underside thoroughly. While the 2025 MOT recorded no defects, the history of failures in 2023 and 2024 indicates that the vehicle has required repairs to meet minimum standards in the past.
Check the suspension, braking system, and tyre condition, as these are common areas for MOT failures in older vans. Because this is a 2004 model, pay close attention to any signs of leaks around the 1.9L engine and check the integrity of the chassis and structural components.
This 2004 Volkswagen Transporter (SX04AFF) is a high-mileage diesel example, currently sitting at 184,618 miles. The MOT history shows a pattern of intermittent failures, specifically in 2023 and 2024, though it has passed its last two annual tests with no defects recorded. For a 22-year-old vehicle, the mileage is consistent with heavy commercial use.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Volkswagen Transporter model to provide a statistical comparison.
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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