FORD KA (2001)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 868 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Total Tests (2024)
868
Avg Mileage
52,111 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 2001 FORD KA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 23 years old, 64% of FORD KAs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 868 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 52,111 miles.
How does the 2001 FORD KA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2001 FORD KA has 52,111 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 2001 sits between the two at 64%.
How much does a 2001 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 2001 FORD KA
The 2001 FORD KA is a small family car with a 1299cc petrol engine. 868 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 90% of 2001 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 52,111 miles at 23 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.
2001 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 2001 FORD KA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,922 (£160/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2001 FORD KA
At 23 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 2001 FORD KA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+7%) from 29,898 tests
- MINI MINI (2003) 72% pass rate (+8%) from 25,713 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2003) 68% pass rate (+4%) from 22,313 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2003) 67% pass rate (+3%) from 21,166 tests