Ford Ka (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 155 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,183

£182/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1299cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,183/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1299cc29 years old155 tests47k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1299cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,183

Per month£182/mo

Per week£42/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

72% of MOT tests on Ford Kas from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 155 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 46,789 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models200th of 306(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models978th of 1,136(bottom 14%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-3%(75% avg)

vs Ford average-13%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

46,789

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Ford Ka had 46,789 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1997 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Ka by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	92%	14,840	26,387 mi
2018	88%	16,844	32,597 mi
2017	89%	19,894	37,584 mi
2016	83%	13,958	42,904 mi
2015	81%	22,499	47,390 mi
2014	81%	31,485	53,659 mi
2013	79%	32,112	59,926 mi
2012	77%	30,280	64,612 mi
2011	76%	29,810	70,554 mi
2010	73%	34,853	75,495 mi
2009	72%	34,947	78,404 mi
2008	63%	9,719	56,797 mi
2007	64%	7,814	56,265 mi
2006	64%	5,377	54,905 mi
2005	64%	4,536	53,788 mi
2004	64%	3,764	55,570 mi
2003	66%	2,733	57,298 mi
2002	63%	1,635	50,236 mi
2001	64%	868	52,111 mi
2000	69%	392	47,147 mi
1999	62%	447	48,623 mi
1998	71%	269	47,606 mi
1997	72%	155	46,789 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+1%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-1%

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

+17%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-2%

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About the 1997 Ford Ka

The 1997 Ford Ka is a small family car. Our records list a 1299cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 155 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 46,789 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Ka owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1997 Ford Ka Fuel Costs

The 1299cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 Ford Ka?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,183 (£182/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford Ka Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Kas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Ford Ka

At 29 years old, the Ford Ka is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1997 Ford Ka stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford Ka(1997)	72%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£145
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£378
Vauxhall Corsa(1999)	89%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810-£373
Nissan Micra(1999)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1997 Ford Ka

Is the 1997 Ford Ka reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1997 Ford Kas ended in a pass, from 155 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Ford Ka cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,183 a year (£182 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Ford Ka?

72% of 155 MOT tests on the 1997 Ford Ka ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 200th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom half).

Which year Ford Ka has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Ford Ka has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 1999 the lowest at 62%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Ford Ka?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Ford Ka is 46,789 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.