Ford Ka (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 29,810 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,900

£158/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 5-15

1200cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £1,900/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol1200cc15 years old29,810 tests71k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1200cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,900

Per month£158/mo

Per week£37/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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

76% of MOT tests on Ford Kas from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 29,810 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 70,554 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models395th of 595(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models876th of 1,136(bottom 23%)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average-1%(77% avg)

vs Ford average-9%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

70,554

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 Ford Ka had 70,554 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-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 2011 scores 76%. 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

Vauxhall Corsa

2012 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

76%

same

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

+2%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-4%

Volkswagen Polo

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,900/year

75%

-1%

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About the 2011 Ford Ka

The 2011 Ford Ka is a city car. Our records list a 1200cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 29,810 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 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 70,554 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Ka owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2011 Ford Ka Fuel Costs

The modest 1200cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 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 2011 Ford Ka?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,900 (£158/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% 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 2011 Ford Ka

At 15 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 29,810 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.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

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 2011 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(2011)	76%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900
Vauxhall Corsa(2012)	76%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£253
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£328
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£328
Volkswagen Polo(2011)	75%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900same

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 2011 Ford Ka

Is the 2011 Ford Ka reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 2011 Ford Kas ended in a pass, from 29,810 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 Ford Ka cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,900 a year (£158 a month): £1,175 fuel, £170 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 2011 Ford Ka?

76% of 29,810 MOT tests on the 2011 Ford Ka ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 395th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (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 2011 Ford Ka?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Ford Ka is 70,554 miles, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.