Ford Ka (2010)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 34,853 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,153
£179/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£200
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1242cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £2,153/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.
73% of MOT tests on Ford Kas from 2010 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 14 years old. That's based on 34,853 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 75,495 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
75,495
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2010 Ford Ka had 75,495 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 2010 scores 73%. 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
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About the 2010 Ford Ka
The 2010 Ford Ka is a small family car. Our records list a 1242cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 34,853 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2010, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 75,495 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Ka owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2010 Ford Ka Fuel Costs
The 1242cc 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 2010 Ford Ka?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,153 (£179/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% 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 2010 Ford Ka
At 16 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%. With 34,853 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskAlways 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 2010 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(2010) | 73% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2012) | 76% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153same |
| Ford Focus(2012) | 78% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£75 |
| Ford Fiesta(2008) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153same |
| Volkswagen Polo(2011) | 75% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £1,900-£253 |
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 2010 Ford Ka
Is the 2010 Ford Ka reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2010 Ford Kas ended in a pass, from 34,853 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2010 Ford Ka cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,153 a year (£179 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 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 2010 Ford Ka?
73% of 34,853 MOT tests on the 2010 Ford Ka ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 391st of 558 models first registered in 2010 (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 2010 Ford Ka?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2010 Ford Ka is 75,495 miles, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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