FORD KA (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 155 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
155
Avg Mileage
46,789 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,722
Is the 1997 FORD KA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 27 years old, 72% of FORD KAs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 155 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 46,789 miles.
How does the 1997 FORD KA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 FORD KA has 46,789 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a FORD KA?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1997 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 1997 FORD KA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific FORD KA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 FORD KA
The 1997 FORD KA is a small family car with a 1299cc petrol engine. 155 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 46,789 miles at 27 years old, 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 FORD KA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,722 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 FORD KA
At 27 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%.
Alternatives to the 1997 FORD KA
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+1%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+17%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-2%) from 6,792 tests