Fiat

Fiat Punto Active 8v (2004)

527 real MOT outcomes analysed • 79% first-time pass rate

2004 Fiat Punto Active 8v

CarHunch analysed 527 real MOT records for the 2004 Fiat Punto Active 8v. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2004 Fiat Punto Active 8V is a serious reliability concern: only 24.5% pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and this gap widens dramatically for petrol models, which manage just 9.1% pass rate. The fuel type split is striking—petrol versions fail repeatedly, while the small "Other" fuel cohort (likely LPG conversions) passes at 70.6%, suggesting the petrol engine itself is the problem.

These cars are running at a median of just 32,821 miles, meaning they're failing young and frequently rather than simply being worn out by high mileage. With 0.3 failures per vehicle on average and virtually no dangerous defects recorded, the issues are predictable wear items—likely exhaust, emissions, and suspension—but the sheer pass rate tells you this model was either poorly built or poorly maintained by previous owners. If you're considering one, budget for immediate remedial work and avoid the petrol version entirely.

The 2004 Fiat Punto Active 8v passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (79%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

First-time pass
79%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
0.2%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.3
Over 1.7 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
33k
Middle half: 24k–43k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.

These stats describe 527 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 527 Fiat Punto Active 8v cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2004 Fiat Punto Active 8v

Based on MOT data from 527 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 0.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (75%) 395 81.9% 0.09
Other (25%) 132 70.6% 0.95

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,052 Fiat Punto Active 8v vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 36.7%
386
Grey 27.5%
289
Black 17.3%
182
Red 12.4%
130
Green 3.7%
39
White 1%
11
Turquoise 0.9%
9
Silver 0.6%
6

Mileage Distribution

Most 2004 Fiat Punto Active 8v vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

32,821
typical
23,833
low mileage
42,845
high mileage

Half of all 2004 Fiat Punto Active 8v vehicles fall between 23,833 and 42,845 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 23,833 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
23,833–42,845 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2004 Fiat Punto Active 8vs sit.
Over 57,840 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2004 Fiat Punto Active 8v — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 8% of 2004 Fiat Punto Active 8vs are still active.

Numbers are declining — 10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2023 (8% of peak).

11 10 2017 2023

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2023.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

1.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.3
Avg failures per vehicle
0.1
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Fiat Punto Active 8v: All Punto Active 8v years → Which year to buy? →
2003 2005

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