FORD KA (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 3,764 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Total Tests (2024)
3,764
Avg Mileage
55,570 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2004 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 20 years old, 64% of FORD KAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 3,764 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 55,570 miles.
How does the 2004 FORD KA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 FORD KA has 55,570 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 2004 sits between the two at 64%.
How much does a 2004 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 2004 FORD KA
The 2004 FORD KA is a small family car with a 1599cc petrol engine. 3,764 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 93% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 55,570 miles at 20 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.
2004 FORD KA Fuel Costs
The 1599cc 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 2004 FORD KA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 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 2004 FORD KA
At 20 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 2004 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 FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (+9%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+7%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+16%) from 40,353 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (+7%) from 35,054 tests