Mazda E Series (2004)
2004 Mazda E Series
CarHunch analysed 105 real MOT records for the 2004 Mazda E Series. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2004 Mazda E Series passes its MOT on the first attempt only 72.3% of the time, notably below the UK average of 80%, and nearly 43% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a significant concern for any prospective buyer. This is a van that tends to need work: the average vehicle has 3.89 failures and 18.2 advisories across its MOT history, suggesting recurring issues beyond just age-related wear.
At around 121,000 miles median, these vans have been worked fairly hard but aren't exceptional outliers for their age. Before buying, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the systems that show up repeatedly in MOT records—suspension, brakes, and emissions equipment feature prominently in advisory trends for this model—and factor in a realistic budget for repairs beyond just tax and insurance.
What to check before buying a 2004 Mazda E Series
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 42.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mazda E Series
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 104 | 72.3% | 3.85 |
| Diesel (1%) | 1 | 70.4% | 8 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2004 Mazda E Series vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2004 Mazda E Series vehicles fall between 87,552 and 142,202 miles.
2004 Mazda E Series — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 88 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 92% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Mazda E Series?
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